Matthew 26:60-61 

New International Version (NIV)

But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.

Finally, two came forward and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

For Meditation
The High Court of the land sits, with Chief Justice Caiaphas presiding and in high spirits. We finally have Him, he may have congratulated himself. The other justices—the teachers of the law and the elders of Israel—settled for the Inquisition. The room has filled, and the people murmur with diverse opinions. In this moment, we see the unfolding of a grave injustice as they bring the innocent Jesus before the court.

In the open courtyard, a campfire lights the early morning skies as a chilly breeze whisper through the gate and windows of the court. Among the crowd warming themselves by the fire stands Peter, who has followed Jesus and the arresting group of soldiers at a distance. He struggles to hide his identity, but how long will it take? Peter keys in to listen to the trial of all time—God at the mercy of His creation. What irony!

Order! the court officer shouts. A hush sweeps through the courtroom.

To find evidence, the prosecutor struggles. Some false witnesses try to help but cannot identify anything that incriminates Jesus. They know the law and are aware of the accused’s innocence. But they are determined to get Him, anyway, and their efforts are futile in the face of truth.

Finally, they push two people forward as prosecuting witnesses. With shameless audacity, they declare: This fellow said; I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days (v.61). But is that what Jesus said?

John gives us the correct testimony in John 2:19. Jesus answered them, Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.

Jesus made this statement when the people demanded a sign to prove His authority to clear the temple at the beginning of his ministry (18). He gave the ultimate response, but they did not understand Him. Jesus told them what they would do to Him and what He would do with their wickedness on Calvary. Jesus talked about spiritual things, but their ears were dull and earthly tuned. So, before the High Court of Israel, His treasured people used the sign of Jesus’s Messianic assignment against Him.

Have people ever misunderstood you in this cruel way? How about the people you love so much for whom you have done everything? Have they ever used your well-intentioned words to destroy you? Have you ever felt so lonely in a problematic moment like that?

Take heart, for you are in excellent company. The Person who suffered the injustice of the Jewish and Roman courts for your sake will bear you through every injustice and dejection you suffer for His name’s sake. But let His word assure you of this: Ultimate victory will dawn, and He will vindicate you, just as He did for Himself.

So, when people misunderstand you, lean on Jesus for consolation, for there is no resurrection without the cross.

Pray with Me

Father, help me, Lord, to still be steadfast in the face of persecution and nebulous attacks from this world’s social and political system. The tide is strong and rages with fury on all fronts. Only your steady hand can support me in staying the course as you did against your opposers who persisted in seeking your life. Thank you, in the name of Jesus, my Lord and King Eternal. Amen!