True Prophecy

Arrested and bound in chains, Jesus was taken to the house Annas, father-in-law to the high priest Caiaphas.

While holding him in custody, Jesus was brutalized and beaten.

They put a bag over his head to blind him and delivered blows to his head and face.

Prophecy who hit you this time, son of God! They scoffed as they hit him again and again.

Besides the grunts and wincing in pain, Jesus remained silent.

He was then taken before Annas.

Hoping that he would incriminate himself, Annas pointed to Jesus and demanded he explain himself and his teachings.

I have spoken openly to the whole world, Jesus said.

I taught in the courtyards and the synagogues where all Jews come together.

Nothing I have done or said has been in secret.

So let me ask you this.

Why do you even ask me these things? Immediately, one of the officers struck Jesus on the face, demanding he speak to the high priest with more respect.

Jesus, face beginning to swell from the constant beatings, spoke again, saying, If what I said is wrong, speak up about it.

But if what I said is right, why do you strike me? Then Annas sent him off to Caiaphas with Peter, trailing behind them in the shadows.

Outside the courts of the high priest, there was a fire with people warming themselves beside it.

Peter sat down among them, warming himself and seeing if he could spot Jesus from a distance.

A small servant girl also sat by the fire.

She eyed him closely.

"'You were with Jesus, weren't you?' Peter shrugged it off, saying, "'Of course not.

I don't know him.' A little later someone else saw him and said, You are one of his disciples.

But Peter said, I am no such thing.

Moments passed, and Peter, feeling exposed, heard another person say, Certainly, this man also was with him, for he too is Galilean.

But Peter said, I do not know what you are talking about.

Peter cursed out of fear and frustration, and immediately, while he was still mumbling curses under his breath, the rooster crowed.

From a distance, Jesus turned his head.

Arrested and bound in chains, Jesus was taken to the house Annas, father-in-law to the high priest Caiaphas.

While holding him in custody, Jesus was brutalized and beaten.

They put a bag over his head to blind him and delivered blows to his head and face.

Prophecy who hit you this time, son of God! They scoffed as they hit him again and again.

Besides the grunts and wincing in pain, Jesus remained silent.

He was then taken before Annas.

Hoping that he would incriminate himself, Annas pointed to Jesus and demanded he explain himself and his teachings.

I have spoken openly to the whole world, Jesus said.

I taught in the courtyards and the synagogues where all Jews come together.

Nothing I have done or said has been in secret.

So let me ask you this.

Why do you even ask me these things? Immediately, one of the officers struck Jesus on the face, demanding he speak to the high priest with more respect.

Jesus, face beginning to swell from the constant beatings, spoke again, saying, If what I said is wrong, speak up about it.

But if what I said is right, why do you strike me? Then Annas sent him off to Caiaphas with Peter, trailing behind them in the shadows.

Outside the courts of the high priest, there was a fire with people warming themselves beside it.

Peter sat down among them, warming himself and seeing if he could spot Jesus from a distance.

A small servant girl also sat by the fire.

She eyed him closely.

"'You were with Jesus, weren't you?' Peter shrugged it off, saying, "'Of course not.

I don't know him.' A little later someone else saw him and said, You are one of his disciples.

But Peter said, I am no such thing.

Moments passed, and Peter, feeling exposed, heard another person say, Certainly, this man also was with him, for he too is Galilean.

But Peter said, I do not know what you are talking about.

Peter cursed out of fear and frustration, and immediately, while he was still mumbling curses under his breath, the rooster crowed.

From a distance, Jesus turned his head.