22:66 Jesus has been seized at night, and Luke describes very briefly the trial that takes place before Jewish authorities, focusing on the Christological charges against Jesus.279 The body of elders, also called the “council” or Sanhedrin, meets to adjudicate the matter.280

In Roman times this was the highest indigenous governing body in Judaea, composed of high priests . . . elders, and scholars (scribes), and meeting under the presidency of the ruling high priest. This body was the ultimate authority not only in religious matters, but in legal and governmental affairs as well, in so far as it did not encroach on the authority of the Roman procurator. The latter, e.g., had to confirm any death sentences passed by the council.281

The Jewish authorities finally have Jesus in their clutches.

22:67–68 The council inquires whether Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ of God. They focus on this charge since such a claim would be politically volatile and could get Jesus in trouble before the Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate. Jesus addresses the question in terms of the spiritual state of his questioners. The issue for him is not ultimately the political ramifications of the charges. The issue has to do with the council’s relationship with God. They should believe Jesus to be the Christ, given his teaching and works, but even if Jesus told them outright who he was, they would not believe. Thus the trial actually indicts the Jewish leaders for their refusal to believe what they should have seen clearly (cf. John 10:24–26). Furthermore, it is apparent by now to Jesus that he will not get an honest opinion from the religious leaders (cf. Luke 20:1–8). They are politically astute and well connected, doing everything they can to protect their reputations.

22:69–71 Many other things, of course, are said as the trial convenes. Luke zeroes in on the dramatic moments and the most important things that are said. Jesus, who has called himself the Son of Man throughout the Gospel (cf. 5:24; 6:5, 22; 7:34; 9:22, 26, 44, 58; 11:30; 12:8, 40; 17:22, 24, 26, 30; 18:8, 31; 19:10; 21:17, 36; 22:22, 48; 24:7), proceeds to say that the Son of Man will be seated in the position of authority, at the right hand of God’s power (cf. Ps. 110:1; Dan. 7:13–14). In saying this, Jesus claims to have authority equal to God’s. The council seems to be judging Jesus, but as the one who sits at God’s right hand, he will judge them. The council draws the right conclusion from Jesus’ words, asking if he is, then, the Son of God. Again, we know already from Luke’s Gospel that Jesus is God’s Son. His sonship is evident in his virginal conception (Luke 1:31, 35), is affirmed by the divine voice at Jesus’ baptism (3:22; cf. 3:38) and his transfiguration (9:35), is recognized by Satan and demons (4:3, 9, 41; 8:28), is taught by Jesus himself (10:22), and is implied in the parable of the “beloved son” sent by the Father (20:13). Jesus does not give a direct answer but replies that they are identifying him as God’s Son since they are charging him with blasphemy, though Luke does not use the word (cf. 5:21; Matt. 26:65; Mark 14:64), and thus believe him to be worthy of death.282 The Jewish council is putting Jesus to death for claiming to be God’s Son, but they do not believe him. They believe they need no other witnesses to indict Jesus, that his own words will convince Pilate he is guilty.