Show Don't Tell: Mark 14:53-65

Instead of saying "Jesus was tried before the Sanhedrin," hear the false witnesses stumble. They take Jesus to the high priest, where all the chief priests, elders, and teachers of the law assemble. Peter follows at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest—warming himself at the fire. Inside, the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin are looking for evidence against Jesus to put him to death, but they don't find any. Many testify falsely, but their statements don't agree. Some stand up and give false testimony: "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.'" But even then their testimony doesn't agree. The high priest asks: "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" Jesus remains silent and gives no answer. Again the high priest asks: "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" "I am," Jesus says. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." The high priest tears his clothes: "Why do we need any more witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy!" They all condemn him as worthy of death. Then some begin to spit at him; they blindfold him, strike him with their fists, and say: "Prophesy!" The guards beat him.