Mark 14:53-65

The people who arrested Jesus led him to the house of the high priest, where all the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of the law were gathered. Peter followed far behind and entered the courtyard of the high priest’s house. There he sat with the guards, warming himself by the fire. The leading priests and the whole Jewish council tried to find something that Jesus had done wrong so they could kill him. But the council could find no proof of anything. Many people came and told false things about him, but all said different things—none of them agreed. Then some people stood up and lied about Jesus, saying, “We heard this man say, ‘I will destroy this Temple that people made. And three days later, I will build another Temple not made by people.’ ” But even the things these people said did not agree. Then the high priest stood before them and asked Jesus, “Aren’t you going to answer? Don’t you have something to say about their charges against you?” But Jesus said nothing; he did not answer. The high priest asked Jesus another question: “Are you the Christ, the Son of the blessed God?” Jesus answered, “I am. And in the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of God, the Powerful One, and coming on clouds in the sky.” When the high priest heard this, he tore his clothes and said, “We don’t need any more witnesses! You all heard him say these things against God. What do you think?” They all said that Jesus was guilty and should die. Some of the people there began to spit at Jesus. They blindfolded him and beat him with their fists and said, “Prove you are a prophet!” Then the guards led Jesus away and beat him.