God on Trial
Matthew 26:57-68 (ESV)
Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council
Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”
Study Guide Questions:
Observation Questions
Observation Questions focus on gathering facts and identifying key details. This can include repeated words, themes, and characters). Observation asks "what does the text say?" not "what does the text mean?" It is not intended to go into interpretation or life application yet. Observations provide a crucial foundation for accurate interpretation and application, preventing misconceptions.
What observations do you note in today's passage?
Please note that these questions are intended to help the community group member learn what types observations could be made in the passage...
Share any details you observed that indicate the verdict the council was seeking before hearing any evidence regarding Jesus.
Share your observations of how the mockers treat Jesus.
Share your observations about Peter (where is he, what is he doing, etc.).
Share our observations about Jesus's responses to the testimony against Him?
Interpretation Questions
Interpretation Questions focus on interpreting what has been observed. The goal is to try to understand the original author's intended meaning and purpose for the intended audience. Interpretation bridges observations with life applications. It will consider key terms, explores context, and answers "why" to uncover the main point.
What are some key points that resonated with you from the message or from your observations above?
Considering the description of Caiaphas's interaction with Jesus, discuss what makes a question to God sincere versus insincere?
Discuss the significance of Jesus's silence during the trial. Consider the implications towards Jesus's power, authority, and purpose.
Life Application Questions
Life Application questions are intended to transform knowledge gleaned from observations and interpretations to practical application in your life. These questions are intended to move the facilitator and the participant from understanding what the text meant to how it applies to daily life. Life application questions are intended to transform listeners into doers, bridging biblical truth with current circumstances to foster personal transformation and spiritual maturity.
What is your key take away from the message?
Discuss a circumstance (e.g., diagnosis, financial pressure, etc.) that you use as "evidence against God" and how you might bring this to God honestly instead of accusatorially.
Discuss a time when God seemed to be silent but in hindsight was still there (because being silent does not mean being absent).
Discuss what kind of power God has given you in your current stage of life and what might be one way that you can use your power to help someone else in your community group flourish?