26

What words did Jesus speak when he stood accused before the Council?

Then it came to pass that when Jesus and his companions departed the Garden of Gethsemane, they saw a band of men—servants of some of the scribes and of the high priests.

The men came to meet them, and with them was Judas Iscariot.

And when Judas saw Jesus, he pointed to him and said: "He is the one you seek."

And when he had said this he left in haste, for he dared not look upon the face of him whom he had betrayed.

When the companions of Jesus heard the words, they stood forth to protect him whom they loved. And in anger, Simon Peter struck one of the servants.

But Jesus restrained them and bade them stand back, and he said: “Defend me not, nor follow me, that more lives not be taken than the one that is demanded."

Then the servants surrounded him, bound his hands and led him to the house of Caiaphas where the Council was assembled.

And among those who should judge Jesus was Joseph of Arimathea.

But Caiaphas was the highest of the Council.

The scribes, the elders, and the highest all spoke much with one another about how they should condemn Jesus, for they did not agree.

When Jesus was led before them, deep silence fell upon them all; for he stood before them as if a king.

Caiaphas had summoned many whom he knew to be enemies of Jesus.

This he had done that their words should bear witness against Jesus.

But the witnesses could not agree, and their testimony was divided. No two even spoke the same words; yet all offered many accusations.

Then Caiaphas grew impatient and said: "Jesus of Nazareth, clear yourself of that which the people say of you! Defend yourself that we may hear your own words and judge you rightly thereafter."

And Jesus answered him and said: "The people have accused me. Judge me therefore according to their witness!"

But Caiaphas answered and said: "We cannot judge you on the words of the people, for their testimony is divided."

Jesus looked upon him and said: "When the witnesses cannot agree, when their testimony is divided, when not even two are able to speak the same thing, then surely is it not difficult for you to judge me rightly."

Then was Caiaphas angered, for he understood the words of Jesus; and he considered how best to ensnare him.

And Caiaphas said: "Many of the elders and the high priests have heard you say that you are the Son of the Most High. Answer us: have you spoken thus?"

Jesus answered him and said: "What you say is true. Such were my words, and I tell you that the day will come when you shall all see me in my Father's Kingdom, and there all bow before me."

When he had spoken thus, Caiaphas turned to the Council and cried out: "Truly, we need not seek witness from among the people; for from his own mouth have we now heard the blasphemous words, heard him speak falsely of the Most High. Let us judge him accordingly!"

When Joseph of Arimathea heard these words from Caiaphas, he arose and silently departed the Council chamber for he dared not sit in judgment on Jesus.

But those who remained judged him guilty—guilty to die upon the cross.

Having spoken thus, he was led away.

And Caiaphas posted guard over him in the night, that his friends should not help him to flee the city.

The next day, in the early morning, he was brought before the governor, Pontius Pilate, who affirmed the judgment.