VV.26:57-62 - “The Mock Trial”
In verse 57, Jesus is taken to Caiaphas, most likely the illegitimate high priest. At this point, it was obvious this was a lynch mob. All the scribes and elders were already waiting on him. In verse 58, Peter follows some distance and enters into the high priest's palace. This palace was near the temple and had a court that Peter would have stayed in.
In verses 59 through 61, they let anyone and everyone bear witness against Jesus hoping something would stick. One can only imagine the lies that they spoke. The other gospels record that these witnesses couldn’t even get their stories straight and contradicted each other. However, two witnesses came and spoke of Jesus prophesying his death, accusing Jesus of plotting against the temple. The identity of the witnesses are not known. However, it is possible that Judas had informed the two of Jesus’s words. It would make sense, especially keeping in mind the two witnesses in Revelation. Remember, Satan tries to copy God.
Then, in verse 62, Caiaphas demanded of Jesus to answer for himself concerning the testimony of the witnesses. One can imagine the smugness as he was pleased to have found a decent charge.

VV.63-68 - “The Illegitimate Charge”
Verse 63 records that under the most unfair trial, Jesus remained silent. This speaks to Jesus’s resolve to fulfill the will of God the Father. This act calls to mind the words of Moses in Exodus 14:13-14. It would have been completely reasonable for Jesus to defend himself. However, this jury would never bother to consider his words. Furthermore, he had done nothing to require a defense. Finally, Caiaphas asks Jesus the ultimate question, was he the Christ?
In verse 64, Jesus states a simple fact. Whether they like it or not, Jesus is the Christ and he will be glorified and shown before all of the world as the Messiah. In verse 65, at this the high priest tore his clothes out of arrogant self righteousness. This proved they cared nothing about whether Jesus was guilty of a charge. They hated that this carpenter from Nazareth was fulfilling the prophecies of the Messiah and overriding their stranglehold on the Jews.
In verses 66 though 68, they showed their true colors. Instead of listening to Jesus and even considering the possibility, they resorted to calling for his death and beating him. This calls to mind another event in the life of Moses. He was prohibited from entering the promising land because he struck the rock instead of speaking to the rock.

VV.69-75 - “Peter Denies Christ”
In verses 69 through 72, Peter is confronted first by a damsel and then by another maid who both stated they had seen him with Jesus. The last time Peter had spoken in the Gospel of Matthew, he was boldly proclaiming he would never forsake Jesus. It is possible that they were beating Jesus when these two women approached Peter. One could give Peter the benefit of the doubt and claim he was trying to remain undiscovered in hopes of saving Jesus. However, even so, Peter would have still been trying to go against the will of God.
Lastly, in verses 73 through 75, Peter is approached a third and final time. He is once again identified as a follower of Jesus and he began to curse and deny it all the more. It begs the question, what if he would have boldly stood up and said he was a follower of Jesus? What if he would have testified of Jesus’s miracles? What if just one person would have stood up in defense of Christ? However, for the third time Peter denied Jesus. The rooster crowed, and Peter was broken. This was to be the rock?

VV.27:1-10 - “The Prophetic Betrayal Completed”
In verse 1, the first morning of passover had come. The trial, which had turned into a beating, was still going. In verse 2, they took him to Pilate to be executed.
In verses 3 through 10, Judas shockingly regrets his actions. Considering he had betrayed the Son of God and been given over to Satan, it is hard to fathom. However, the scriptures are very clear, he repented of what he had done. He goes to the chief priests to return the 30 pieces of silver and proclaims that Jesus is innocent. He then immediately went out and hanged himself. The story of Judas is a story of tragedy. Judas is a mystery that we do not fully understand. This was the fulfillment of Zechariah 11:13.

VV.11-18 - “Jesus Before Pilate”*
In verse 11, Jesus is brought before Pilate, the governor of Judah. Pilate inquired of Jesus as to whether or not he was the king of the Jews. In the synoptic gospels, Jesus said to Pilate sy lego, thou sayest. Pilate asking Jesus this question revealed the plotting of the Jewish leaders. They know that if they could paint Jesus as a rebel against Rome, they would put him to death. The whole time the chief priests and elders were accusing Jesus, to which Jesus said nothing.
During the trial, Pilate asked Jesus why he remained silent under such accusations. However, Jesus did not speak out to defend himself. (It is often the man that remains silent is the one who is the most capable. The weak man often shouts and lashes out with words.) Verse 14 records that Pilate was amazed by Jesus. He could tell there was something different about this Jew.
Lastly, in verse 15 through 18, Pilate gave the city of Jerusalem a choice. They could choose either Jesus or Barabbas. Pilate’s palace was likely the palace of Herod the Great, in the city of Jerusalem. At this point in the morning, the entire city would have been out and present. Barabbas is an interesting figure, he is described as an insurrectionist guilty of murder in Mark’s Gospel. In John’s gospel, he is described as a robber. All of the commentaries and preachers are quick to accuse Barabbas of being a horrible person. Maybe they are right. However, it would be good to investigate a little further.
John 18:33-38 records the conversation Jesus had with Pilate.