PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 26:57-63
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The whole Sanhedrin was looking for false evidence against Jesus.” (Matthew 26:59)
My sense is that this statement is Matthew’s perspective on what happened.
The members of the Sanhedrin were looking for good and sufficient evidence.
They already knew Jesus was a false prophet, but they needed the support of witnesses.
The word ‘sanhedrin’ is from ‘syn’ (with) and ‘hedra’ (seat): sitting together (assembly).
It is like the word ‘synod’, from ‘syn’ and ‘odus’ (way): on the way together.
There were smaller local assemblies but this was the Large Assembly in Jerusalem.
The whole Sanhedrin was the broadest assembly of Jewish leaders with 71 members.
They did not look for false evidence, they looked for evidence to prove their case.
You would expect careful investigation from such a body, but the case was already settled.
They just needed the proof, the report that would support what they already believed.
Jesus remains silent before this body, because his words will not make a difference.
I serve as a leader in a smaller assembly, and so I’ve experienced how decisions are made.
These words challenge me not to pre-judge matters before I consider all the evidence.
I do not want to sit with, or walk in the way of those who crucify others.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us when we prejudge matters without considering the evidence. Remind me that when I do this to others, I am doing it to you as well.
“I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” That was the real underlying issue: they did not see Jesus as the Messiah but they still had lingering doubts. They wanted Jesus to testify and say yes – but that would not believe Him but use it to accuse him of misrepresenting God! I wonder how many would turn after the resurrection? At least there were some. Yet many would remain blinded by stubbornness. Lord help me to encourage others to consider you as saviour – to help them understand that they need you – that without you life is hopeless!
Looking for false evidence to get rid of Jesus. That was their plan all along. They wanted Jesus’ followers because He was attracting more followers than they. He was their competition and therefor wanted to get rid of Him at any cost. Fabricating the charges so accomplish their goals. Today we still try to have everything our way rather than God’s way. I need to live in His SonShine letting Christ rule over me to do His will. He is in charge of all my relationships and I must be His servant true.
Make me a servant
Humble and meek
Lord let me lift up those who are weak
And may the prayers of my heart always be
Make me a servant
Make me a servant
Make me a servant today