53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.
55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.
57 Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even then their testimony did not agree.
60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.
Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
63 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64 “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”
They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65 Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.
“You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said.
68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.[g]
69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” 70 Again he denied it.
After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”
71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.”
72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time.[h] Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice[i] you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
Question 1
When was the hardest time in your life?
Question 2
Why do you think Peter followed Jesus?
The first step in the court case against Jesus is to bring him before the religious leaders. They’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. They were all looking for any possible way to prove that he deserved death. They even called on people to lie! The law is clear that being a false witness is a sin that should be punished severely, they try to use this as a way to completely destroy an innocent person.
In the face of all the fierce accusations and deceptions, Jesus doesn’t argue. Bravely he keeps quiet, waiting for what’s to come. When he is ready, he chooses to answer the chief priests question, and acknowledges the truth that he is the King. Immediately they decide he deserves death and the abuse begins.
While all this was going on, Peter gained a little confidence and followed to see what was going on. But as the night goes on, things get worse and worse for Peter as he is identified by some girl and has to deny that he is a follower of Jesus. It is painful to read on and hear him accused again and forced to deny once more. You almost want to shout, “Peter! Remember the words of Jesus! Don’t!” But as more people accuse him Peter gets angry and says he doesn’t know Jesus at all. As the rooster crows Peter realises what he has done, but it is too late.
Question 3
How do you think Peter felt after all this?
Question 4
Why do you think Jesus responded to the questions the way he did?
Pray
for wisdom and confidence as you answer questions from people who are against you.
