The accusation of blasphemy against Jesus is a pivotal moment in the New Testament, reflecting the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities of His time. This charge ultimately led to His crucifixion, as it was considered a capital offense under Jewish law. The Gospels provide several instances where Jesus is accused of blasphemy, each revealing significant theological truths about His identity and mission.

Instances of Accusation

1. Healing and Forgiveness of Sins: One of the earliest accusations occurs in the account of Jesus healing a paralytic. In Mark 2:5-7 , Jesus tells the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." The scribes present question in their hearts, "Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Here, the charge of blasphemy arises from Jesus' claim to divine authority to forgive sins, a prerogative believed to belong solely to God.

2. Claim of Divine Sonship: In John 10:30-33 , Jesus declares, "I and the Father are one." The Jews pick up stones to stone Him, accusing Him of blasphemy, saying, "We are not stoning You for any good work, but for blasphemy, because You, who are a man, declare Yourself to be God." This accusation underscores the Jewish leaders' rejection of Jesus' claim to be the Son of God, equating Himself with God.

3. Trial Before the Sanhedrin: During His trial, the high priest directly questions Jesus about His identity. In Mark 14:61-64 , Jesus affirms, "I am," in response to whether He is the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One. He further states, "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven." The high priest tears his garments and declares, "Why do we need any more witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy." This moment is critical as it leads to the decision to hand Jesus over to the Roman authorities for execution.

Jesus' Defense

In each instance, Jesus' defense is not a denial of the charges but rather an affirmation of His divine identity and mission. His responses are deeply rooted in Scripture and reveal His understanding of His role in God's redemptive plan.

1. Authority to Forgive Sins: In response to the scribes' silent accusations, Jesus asks, "Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, pick up your mat, and walk'?" (Mark 2:9). He then heals the paralytic, demonstrating His authority on earth to forgive sins, thus validating His divine claim through miraculous works.

2. Unity with the Father: When accused of blasphemy for claiming unity with the Father, Jesus refers to Psalm 82:6, saying, "Is it not written in your Law: 'I have said you are gods'?" (John 10:34). He argues that if Scripture can use such language for those to whom the word of God came, how much more is it appropriate for Him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, to be called God's Son.

3. Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecy: During His trial, Jesus' reference to the "Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power" alludes to Daniel 7:13-14, a messianic prophecy. By invoking this imagery, Jesus asserts His identity as the prophesied Messiah and divine judge, a claim that the religious leaders interpret as blasphemous due to their unbelief.

Throughout these encounters, Jesus consistently points to His works, His fulfillment of prophecy, and His unique relationship with the Father as evidence of His divine authority. His defense is not merely verbal but is substantiated by His life, teachings, and miracles, which testify to His identity as the Son of God.