Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. Matthew 26:57

 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus…“I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”   “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 

Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.  What do you think?”

“He is worthy of death,” they answered.  Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him.”  Matthew 26:62 – 67

Who am I to even attempt to write anything?  Stand with me.  This scene is scathing and hateful. The showdown had come.  Finally, the leader of the Jews, the High Priest, Caiaphas, demanded that Jesus declare, once and for all, if he believes he is the promised Messiah.  Jesus’ response was so elusive that Caiaphas flew into a rage.

Jesus’ reminded the High Priest that it is he did not believe that  Jesus was the Messiah.  Then Jesus had a word of truth for all to hear, “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”  Then the torrent of outrage from Caiaphas…“He has spoken blasphemy.”  Those around him spit contempt on Jesus and struck him, not only with open palms, but with fists clenched in anger.

From that moment, there is no turning back, the leaders of the Jews determined to kill their Messiah sent by heaven, the hope of Israel!  Can it be?  Read and weep.