Matthew 26:63-68: The Son of Man on Trial

“…you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power...”  Jesus in Matthew 26:64

“By officially endorsing Jesus as the Son of God, Constantine turned Jesus into a deity who existed beyond the scope of the human world, an entity whose power was unchallengeable.” (Dan Brown, The Da Vinci Code, p. 233; Brown pushes for the idea that Christ’s divinity did not exist before the Council of Nicea in 325 AD)

“…the Father is God and the Son is God; for He who is born of God is God.” (church father Irenaeus, AD 177, quoted by Josh McDowell in More Than a Carpenter, p. 38, chapter 3.)

Jesus is on trial before Caiaphas the high priest.  False witnesses are paraded out in hopes something is found by which they could condemn Jesus (see v. 60).   But not even these false witnesses could keep their stories straight (see Mark 14:59).   And Jesus remained silent (v. 63).  Finally the high priest, frustrated by the inept false witnesses and Jesus’ silence,  said to Jesus point blank, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God,” (v. 63).      

Caiaphas’ words may sound familiar.  Peter answered Jesus’ question in 16:15 with almost the identical terminology.  When Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?”  Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” (16:16).   

Jesus first responds with “You have said so,” (v. 64), the same phrase He said to Judas (v. 25).   At this point, “Jesus declares that he is not only the human Messiah anticipated by the Jews but also the divine Son of Man,” (ESV Study Bible).  He is the Messiah, alright.  But He is much more than a mere political Messiah.  Tremble, Caiaphas.  For the Man on trial before you is God Himself who will judge the world, including you.   “But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven,”  (v. 64). 

In His answer to Caiaphas, Jesus quotes from Psalm 110:1 (“seated at the right hand of Power”).   He also quotes from Daniel 7:13, identifying Himself as the Son of Man “coming on the clouds of heaven” to whom is given everlasting dominion, glory and a kingdom.   Here we have evidence of the Divine from Jesus’ own mouth.    

 As high priest, Caiaphas knew these passages.   He tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy.  What further witnesses do we need?  You have heard his blasphemy,” (v. 65).  The false witnesses can be returned to their stables; Caiaphas got what he wanted.   He turned to the Council (v. 59), “What is your judgment?”  They answered without sober contemplation, “He deserves death,” (v. 66; see Leviticus 24:16).   At this point, the Council obeyed the Law, not from conscious but from convenience.  The Council’s mission as stated 26:4 has been accomplished. 

The Council is not after truth but after protecting their power structure and egos.  This Man who has tormented them the past several years has now fallen into their hands.   And with jeers they celebrate.   They spit in his face and struck Him.  And some slapped Him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ!  Who is it that struck You?” (vv. 67-68).

On the great Day of Judgment, the members of this Council will be resurrected and will stand before the throne of the Son of Man.   The books will be opened.   The events of that night will be read aloud.  Christ will reveal who it was who struck Him.  And unless there was godly repentance that Scripture does not record, then these chief priests, scribes and elders will be thrown into the lake of fire for their names will not be in the book of life.  (see Revelation 20:11-15).

We worship not a mere political Messiah who is only concerned with the kingdoms of this world.   But we worship the very God of very God, Christ incarnate, who so loved us that He willingly laid down His life for us.   Rejoice in Him!