65 Then the high priest tore his [ ac ]robes [in mock horror] and exclaimed, “He has blasphemed [by making Himself God’s equal]! What further need have we of witnesses or evidence? See, you have now heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?” They answered, “[ ad ]He deserves to be put to death.”
67 Then they spat in His face and struck Him with their fists; and some slapped Him, 68 saying, “[ ae ]Prophesy to us, You Christ (Messiah, Anointed); who was it that struck You?”
Matthew 26:65-68 (AMP) 中文
Kangaroo court in session
The Kangaroo Court is in session. False witnesses who twist and misinterpret what Jesus said have been found. Jesus has “incriminated” Himself by prophesying about His future position. The high priest and the crowd of accusers and bystanders clearly understood what Jesus said in yesterday’s passage, Matthew 26:59-64.
Jesus’ clear claim as God
They clearly understood Jesus was making Himself equal with God. The tearing of the robes was a traditional symbolic response of Jews when mourning, suffering loss or, if they heard blasphemy. But it is quite interesting, according to Leviticus 21:10, the high priest was not to tear his clothes! “The special nature of the high priestly office dictated a separation from some of the common customs, including that of mourning.” (gotquestions.org) Yet here he does. The AMP notes, “in mock horror” help us to understand that indeed, this is a Kangaroo lynching. The AMP notes also explain that the blasphemy the high priest responds to is Jesus’ claim to be God.
Corrupt but Correct judgment
As in any lynching, the crowd, led by the chief accuser (the high priest here) passes judgment on the (falsely in this case) accused. And their judgment:He should be killed. Actually, their corrupt process leads to a correct judgment. But it’s not correct according to their false accusations. It’s correct according to God’s plan and will. The Messiah must die in place of sinful mankind that they may be redeemed by grace through that sacrifice.
Crowd mocks
The other thing the crowd clearly understands is that Jesus was prophesying when He said, “But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matthew 26:64 Therefore, they mock Him by asking Him to prophecy who hit Him. So cruel. Anyone bullied can ask Jesus what it’s like.
RЯeflection
- Romans 8:28 is often quoted by followers of Christ to help work through difficult situations – especially when the reason isn’t understood. Do you find it amazing that God, in a way, does this for Himself. He takes this worst of all situations – the passion of His Son – and “causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
- Have you been bullied? Even as an adult it can take on other forms like the workplace or even in the family. Sadly, it can occur in churches.
