The Last Supper
and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” Matthew 26:61 · Berean Standard Bible
They claim Jesus said He could destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days — a twisted version of something He actually said about His own body rising from the dead.
Jesus was talking about His resurrection, not the physical building. They took His words out of context and turned them into a weapon.
Two witnesses present their distorted accusation to the council.
The bitter irony: the false charge against Jesus is actually a misquoted prophecy that will come true. In three days, He will rise.
The two witnesses accuse Jesus of claiming He could destroy the temple (naon tou theou) and rebuild it in three days — a distortion of John 2:19 where Jesus spoke of His body's resurrection.
The charge cleverly twists Jesus' words: He said 'destroy this temple and I will raise it,' speaking of His body (John 2:21). The accusation reframes resurrection prophecy as temple destruction threat.
The two witnesses present their distorted version of Jesus' earlier statement.
The accusation that condemns Jesus is actually a misunderstood prophecy of His resurrection — the very thing the accusers are trying to prevent.
59Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death.
60But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.
61and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
62So the high priest stood up and asked Him, “Have You no answer? What are these men testifying against You?”
63But Jesus remained silent.
Read all of Matthew 26 — Bread broken. Wine poured. A betrayal predicted. The longest night in history begins around a table.
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