Matthew 26:59-75 ▼

59 Meanwhile, the high priests and the whole Council were looking for false testimony against Jesus in order to have him put to death.

60 But they couldn't find any, even though many false witnesses had come forward. At last two men came forward

61 and stated, |This man said, 'I can destroy the sanctuary of God and rebuild it in three days.'|

62 At this, the high priest stood up and asked Jesus, |Don't you have any answer to what these men are testifying against you?|

63 But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest told him, |I command you by the living God to tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God!|

64 Jesus told him, |You have said so. Nevertheless I tell you, from now on you will see 'the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power' and 'coming on the clouds of heaven.'|

65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, |He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? Listen! You yourselves have just heard the blasphemy!

66 What is your verdict?| They replied, |He deserves to die!|

67 Then they spit in his face and hit him. Some slapped him,

68 saying, |Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who hit you?|

69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard when a servant girl came up to him and said, |You, too, were with Jesus the Galilean.|

70 But he denied it in front of them all. |I don't know what you're talking about!| he exclaimed.

71 As he went out to the gateway, another woman saw him and told those who were there, |This man was with Jesus from Nazareth.|

72 Again he denied it and swore with an oath, |I don't know the man!|

73 After a little while, the people who were standing there came up and told Peter, |Obviously you're also one of them, because your accent gives you away.|

74 Then he began to curse violently. |I don't know the man!| he swore solemnly. Just then a rooster crowed.

75 Peter remembered the words of Jesus when he said, |Before a rooster crows, you'll deny me three times.| Then he went outside and cried bitterly.