⁵⁴ But Peter followed a long way behind as they went to the house of the head religious leader. He sat with the helpers and got warm by the fire.

Jesus Stands in Front of the Court ^(A)

⁵⁵ The religious leaders and all the court were looking for something against Jesus. They wanted to find something so they could kill Him. But they could find nothing. ⁵⁶ Many came and told false things about Him, but their words did not agree. ⁵⁷ Some got up and said false things against Him. They said, ⁵⁸ “We have heard Him say, ‘I will destroy the house of God that was made with hands. In three days I will build another that is not made with hands.’” ⁵⁹ Even these who spoke against Him were not able to agree.

⁶⁰ The head religious leader stood up in front of the people. He asked Jesus, “Have You nothing to say? What about the things these men are saying against You?” ⁶¹ Jesus said nothing. Again the head religious leader asked Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Holy One?” ⁶² Jesus said, “I am! And you will see the Son of Man seated on the right side of the All-powerful God. You will see Him coming again in the clouds of the sky.”

⁶³ Then the head religious leader tore his clothes apart. He said, “Do we need other people to speak against Him? ⁶⁴ You have heard Him speak as if He were God! What do you think?” They all said He was guilty of death. ⁶⁵ Some began to spit on Him. They covered Jesus’ face, and they hit Him. They said, “Tell us what is going to happen.” Soldiers hit Him with their hands.

Peter Said He Did Not Know Jesus ^(B)

⁶⁶ Peter was outside in the yard. One of the servant-girls of the head religious leader came. ⁶⁷ She saw Peter getting warm. She looked at him and said, “You were with Jesus of Nazareth.” ⁶⁸ Peter lied, saying, “I do not know Jesus and do not understand what you are talking about.” As he went out, a rooster crowed.

⁶⁹ The servant-girl saw him again. She said to the people standing around, “This man is one of them.” ⁷⁰ He lied again saying that he did not know Jesus. Later, those who stood around said to Peter again, “For sure you are one of them. You are from the country of Galilee. You talk like they do.” ⁷¹ He began to say strong words and to swear. He said, “I do not know the Man you are talking about!”

⁷² At once a rooster crowed the second time. Peter remembered what Jesus had said to him, “Before a rooster crows two times, you will say three times you do not know Me.” When he thought about it, he cried.