As you read about Jesus on trial, consider the responses of two different persons:
The high priest.
The disciple.
The Sanhedrin consisted of 71 members who were charged with the responsibility of keeping their religious community safe--and sometimes safe meant accommodating the needs of the ruling authorities, the occupying force, the Romans. And, sometimes, safe meant protecting from internal heresy.
They have rules but don't follow them. Instead, they offer false testimony, and can't even agree on which falsities to swear to.
Frustrated, the High Priest addresses Jesus directly, "Are you the Messiah?"
Jesus responds, "I am."
The Council condemns Jesus to death.
Peter has been one of the disciples closest to Jesus. And he has failed him before. While he was supposed to be keeping watch at Gethsemane, he fell asleep three times.
Now, while Jesus is being condemned to death, Peter is nearby. One of the high priest's servants sees him and recognizes him, "You're with that guy that's on trial." Peter denies it. She tells some bystanders, and he denies it. Some of the bystanders say the same thing, and he once more denies it. Three times.
Peter broke down and wept.
The High Priest would not recognize that this man brought before him was the Anointed One of Israel. Did Peter? Do we?
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