§ 283. Morning.—Examination before Caiaphas.

In the examination before the Sanhedrim, over which Caiaphas pre sided, Christ preserved the same silence as before Annas, and for similar reasons. The conflicting evidence of the witnesses afforded no ground for the condemnation on which the court had already decided. The high-priest insisted on his defending himself against the witnesses; but he still held his peace. Finally, he called upon Jesus, in the name of the Living God, to declare whether or not he was “Messiah, the Son of God.” After answering in the affirmative, Christ announced the great events then approaching, which were to testify, more strongly than words, that He was the promised Theocratic King: “Hereafter shall ye see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power (of God), and coming in the clouds of heaven”⁷⁷¹⁷⁷¹   Christ’s “coming,” “coming in the clouds,” &c., not only indicate his second advent at a far-distant period, but also his spiritual, world-historical manifestation. (a figurative expression, implying, “You shall see me prove my Divine power in act, spreading my kingdom, and subduing its foes in spite of all your machinations;” the actual proof of his Messianic dignity, an announcement of the impending judgment of God). Then the high-priest rent his robes, as a sign of horror at the blasphemy uttered by Christ, saying, “From his own lips ye have heard it.” He was then condemned to death, either as a false prophet, and thereby incurring the punishment ordained by the law of Moses, because he had falsely proclaimed himself Messiah; or as a blasphemer, because he had attributed Divine honours to himself. 412The latter appears more probable from Matt., xxvi. 65, 66; and, indeed, they had often before accused him of blasphemy.

After the condemnation he was given up, as one expelled from the Theocratic nation, to the rude derision and mocking of the servants in the court.