Matthew 26:57-75
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Although you may be thinking that I am quoting from today’s reading, I am actually quoting John 2:19. In today’s verse 61 it’s actually two witnesses who testify to this statement against Jesus. But they were not false witnesses like the others that the Jewish leaders were putting forth: Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put Him to death. (v. 59) These two witnesses spoke truth, words that Jesus had spoken very early in His earthly ministry. When Jesus could not deny that He had spoken these words, it gave the high priest the lead-in to demand that Jesus respond to the Messiah question: And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” (v. 63b) Jesus’ reply to this question sealed His fate: Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (v. 64) According to those present He had clearly blasphemed! Unfortunately they did not know that He was speaking truth. Some day we will see that truth played out before our very eyes!! GLORY!!
See also: November 18 / Matt. 26:57-75
Hmmm. Although there are indeed two witnesses that say something like what Jesus says in John 2:19, they misquote Him. Further, both Matthew and Mark say these guys are false witnesses. See Mt. 26:60-61 and Mark 14:57-58.