"False Witnesses Testify Against Jesus"

Matthew 26:59-61: Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward and said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days."

Remember the scene takes place in the palace of the High Priest, a large building that the 71 members of the Sanhedrin plus priests, elders, and false witnesses. The Sanhedrin would meet normally every day in the Temple except on the Sabbath Day and on High Holy Days. Thus, another exception to the rule because of the need for speed in this trial--they were meeting on Passover, and it was the middle of the night. (between 12 and 3 AM).

There were no legitimate charges against Jesus to have Him put to death, and thus witnesses were hastily summoned to give testimony against Jesus that would hopefully seal His fate. The problem was that those who came to perjure themselves were attempting to curry favor with the leaders in this plot. Yet, in this last minute assembly they could not get two witnesses to agree.

Finally, two men were brought in who testified that Jesus had said on one occasion: I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days." Gossip is often half-truths, and this would qualify. Jesus had indeed said as we find in John 2:19: Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. He was speaking about the Temple of His body. The true meaning is not presented at Jesus trial, and yet Jesus makes no effort to contradict the false testimony. He came as a lamb to the slaughter (Isaiah 53).