Blaspheming Jesus – Luke 22:63-71

“No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.”  This is the 5th amendment to the Constitution of the United States.  Jewish law did not have this provision, so Jesus was required to testify against himself.  But there were plenty of illegalities about Jesus trial, not the least of which was the physical violence being done to Jesus by his captors.

Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him.

When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.”  (Luke 22:63-71 ESV)

Is Jesus God?  If not, then the treatment of him by the men holding him is shameful and degrading and worthy of punishment, but they are not guilty of blasphemy.  Yet this is Luke’s declaration.  These men have defamed the creator God, committing blasphemy.

Is the Christ supposed to be God?  The Old Testament prophecies to which Jesus alludes, Daniel 7 and Psalm 110, do give indication that Messiah (Christ) is divine.  So when Jesus answers the elders they understand him to not only be equating himself to the Messiah but also to being the Son of God, a blasphemous claim if he is a mere man.  They think they have the charge they need against him, not realizing they have just heard the truth that condemns their very actions.