65: Surely the ripping of the high priests garment was more a formality than a reaction. He could hardly have been surprised at the answer he received. He announced his accusation of blashphemy as if there was no other possible reaction. For the Jews as a whole, it seems without doubt, that the accepted Messiah will have to do many miracles for their pleasure. This is a dangerous requirement, for the antichrist will surely be more than happy to oblige them.
Caiaphas asks why any more witnesses are needed because he sees how little they had against Christ before this. So, even in the mind of one bent upon Jesus’ death, Jesus’ statement in verse 64 helped towards the desired end. And, Jesus knew it would.
66: Given the false accusation, the Sanhedrin could come to no other conclusion. If blashphemy was the only option, death was the only course.
67: Once the decision had been made, the Jewish leaders began to take much more licence. Apparently they now felt justified in doing what they wanted to do all along. Their eagerness to give in to the flesh in their punishment of Christ is appalling. Their actions were illegal by both Jewish and Roman law. But they took no notice of this.
They spit in his face, punched him with their fists, cast harsh insults at him, and slapped him.
68: The playing of this sick game, asking Jesus to prophesy, was demeaning to persons of their high office. Once again, they took no notice. Jesus, of course, knew who was hitting him, whether blindfolded or not. He knew this kind of thing would start as soon as their self-righteousness felt justified.
Personal Journal Entry #12017
Prayer Journal Entry #12017
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 43:1-45:28