Devotional: Matthew 26:57-68

Today’s passage: Matthew 26:57-68

Helpful thoughts:

• See the Law concerning trials of this sort:
  • Deuteronomy 16:18-20
    • The requirement for a fair trial
  • Deuteronomy 19:16-19
    • False witnesses were to receive the punishment desired for the accused
• According to Rabbinical law:
  • Death sentences could not be carried out for three days after the verdict.
  • Confession by the defendant was not enough to prove guilt.  There had to be external evidence.
• Jesus’ official crime was calling Himself the Son of God/The Son of Man.  His assertion was called blasphemy.

Questions to consider:

1. Was Jesus given a fair trial?
2. Were the false witnesses punished?  Who put them up to it?
3. Was the death penalty scheduled for three days out?
4. What was true of Jesus’ “crime”?
5. Why were the Sanhedrin able to accomplish this guilty verdict and deliver Jesus to Pilate?  Who was victorious this night?