Slices
Prepare
As you read, notice carefully what the text says. Try not to skim read, but rather savour the words, reading slowly and thoughtfully, allowing the words to address you. Notice and ponder anything that calls for your attention.
Bible passage
Jesus before the Sanhedrin
57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.
59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.
Finally two came forward 61 and declared, ‘This fellow said, “I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.”’
62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, ‘Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?’ 63 But Jesus remained silent.
The high priest said to him, ‘I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.’
64 ‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied. ‘But I say to all of you: from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.’
65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, ‘He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?’
‘He is worthy of death,’ they answered.
67 Then they spat in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68 and said, ‘Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?’
Explore
Having been arrested, Jesus faces the first of several ‘trials’ before different officials, here in the presence of the Jewish high priest, Caiaphas.
The evidence against Jesus is flimsy, so false evidence is gathered, a sign of corruption at the heart of the religious establishment. They would rather fabricate the truth than submit to it (v 59). Two witnesses testify about something Jesus did indeed say, but it is misinterpreted (v 61). When he spoke about destroying the Temple and raising it up in three days, he was not referring to the actual Temple, but his own body – and his death and resurrection (John 2:19–21). He was not leading a revolt, but preparing to save the world at great personal cost.
The verdict that Jesus is worthy of death is based on the charge of blasphemy (v 66), but since Jesus truly is the Messiah and the Son of Man, it is invalid. Notice Peter following, but at a safe distance (v 58). Are you ever tempted to do the same?
Respond
It is easy to twist people’s words and hear what we want to hear, or to duck the truth that stares us in the face. Pray: ‘Lord, give me integrity of heart to submit myself to the truth, however uncomfortable it may be.’
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Deuteronomy 27,28; Romans 7
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray that as the SU Council meet today they will have God’s wisdom as they consider how we can share the good news in today’s world. Pray for wisdom in the appointment of a new Council President to succeed Penny Boshoff.
Equipping the church to reach the next generation
Across England and Wales, increasing numbers of children and young people are asking big questions about life, faith and meaning. Many are more open than we might assume – curious, thoughtful, and ready for conversations about Jesus, even when church isn’t part of their everyday world. For churches who have a heart for the next generation, this presents a real and hopeful opportunity.
Many leaders carry a deep desire to help the next generation encounter Jesus, but with full diaries and many responsibilities, knowing how to respond – or where to begin – can feel uncertain. That’s why we’ve created the It’s Time to Act guide.
It’s a simple, encouraging resource designed to help churches take thoughtful, realistic steps towards revealing Jesus to the next generation. Rather than offering big programmes or quick fixes, the guide focuses on what’s possible now – small, achievable actions that can grow over time. Inside, you’ll find practical ideas shaped by real church life that work alongside busy schedules and varied contexts. So, whether your church is just beginning to explore this opportunity, or already taking steps, the guide aims to meet you where you are and help you discern what comes next.
Our hope is that It’s Time to Act feels less like another initiative, and more like an invitation – to notice where God is already at work, and to take a next step, one step at a time.
If you’d like to explore the guide and see whether it could support your church, you can order a copy here.
