(a) Give an account of the trial of Jesus before the high priest. [9 marks] (b) Describe Peter's behaviour during this period [6 marks]

Answer Details

(a) The trial of Jesus before the high priest (Mark 14:53-65; cf. Matthew 26:57-68)

After His arrest in Gethsemane, Jesus was led away to the high priest, where all the chief priests, the elders and the scribes were assembled. The chief priests and the whole council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they found none. Many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree. Some stood up and testified falsely, "We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another not made with hands," yet even about this their witness did not agree.

Then the high priest stood up and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?" But Jesus remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked Him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" Jesus answered, "I am; and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven." At this the high priest tore his garments and said, "What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?" They all condemned Him as deserving death. Then some began to spit on Him, to cover His face, to strike Him, and to say, "Prophesy!" and the guards received Him with blows.

(b) Peter's behaviour during this period (Mark 14:54, 66-72)

Peter had followed Jesus at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest, and sat with the guards, warming himself at the fire. While he was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest saw him and said, "You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus." But Peter denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you mean," and he went out into the gateway. The servant girl saw him again and said to the bystanders, "This man is one of them," but again he denied it. After a little while the bystanders said to Peter, "Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean." Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know this man of whom you speak." Immediately the cock crowed a second time. Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him, "Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times," and he broke down and wept bitterly.