LUKE 22:66–71
JESUS BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN
Text – Luke 22:66–71
66 When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin.
67 They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us.” He replied, “If I tell you, you will not believe,
68 and if I question you, you will not respond.
69 But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”
70 They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied to them, “You say that I am.”
71 Then they said, “What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth.”
Historical and Jewish Context
At daybreak, the Sanhedrin—the supreme Jewish religious council—convenes to formalize proceedings against Jesus. Nighttime questioning gave way to an official morning session to meet legal norms. Their questions focus on messianic and divine claims, which they regard as threatening and blasphemous. Jesus does not argue defensively; instead, He frames His identity in terms drawn from Scripture, especially the vision of the Son of Man exalted by God. The council’s response reveals that their verdict is already decided.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Jesus openly affirms His identity while refusing to submit to a trial conducted in bad faith. Catholic theology sees in His words a clear confession of both His messianic mission and His divine sonship. By invoking His future exaltation at God’s right hand, Jesus reveals that His present humiliation will lead to glory. The charge against Him becomes the means by which truth is spoken: He is indeed the Son of God. This moment anticipates the Resurrection and Ascension, where His claim will be vindicated.
Parallels in Scripture
Dn 7:13–14 – The Son of Man receiving eternal dominion.
Ps 110:1 – The Lord seated at God’s right hand.
Mt 26:63–66 – Parallel trial before the council.
Jn 10:30–33 – Jesus accused of blasphemy for claiming divine sonship.
Acts 7:55–56 – Stephen sees the Son of Man standing at God’s right hand.
Key Terms
Sanhedrin – The highest Jewish religious authority.
Messiah – God’s anointed one, awaited by Israel.
Son of Man – Title revealing suffering and exalted authority.
Son of God – Affirmation of Jesus’ divine identity.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage is proclaimed during Holy Week as part of the Passion narrative. It invites the faithful to contemplate Christ’s courage in witnessing to truth under judgment. The Church uses this text to affirm Christ’s divine identity and to strengthen faith amid opposition or misunderstanding.
Conclusion
Jesus stands before human judgment while proclaiming divine truth. Though condemned, He reveals Himself as the exalted Son of Man and Son of God. The council’s verdict cannot silence the truth that will soon be vindicated by God.
Reflection
Am I willing to witness to Christ’s truth even when it is misunderstood or rejected?
Do I trust that God’s justice will prevail beyond human judgment?
Jesus invites me to stand firm in faith, confident that truth leads to glory.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, Son of God and Son of Man, strengthen my faith in Your truth. Give me courage to confess You faithfully in word and deed. May I trust in Your vindication and remain steadfast in hope. Amen.