Jesus Is Mocked, Beaten, and Tried (Luke 22:63–71)
What Does Luke 22:63–71 Mean? An In-Depth Commentary and Reflection
Introduction
It’s hard to imagine the depth of cruelty Jesus faced before the cross. In Luke 22:63–71, we see a moment of shame and suffering that sets the stage for his final day. These verses depict Jesus being mocked, beaten, and interrogated by the very religious leaders who should have known better.
This passage, while unsettling, offers profound insights into the nature of Jesus’ mission and the unrelenting rejection he faced. As we break down these verses, we’ll uncover not only the historical details but also how they resonate with our lives today.
Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin is a pivotal moment in the Gospel of Luke. It’s a moment where mockery and brutality meet divine purpose. But it also gives us an important glimpse into the contrast between the darkness of human rejection and the light of God’s sovereign plan.
Luke 22:63–71 Commentary, Reflection, and Meaning
Luke 22:63
“Now the men who were holding Jesus began to mock him and beat him.” (Luke 22:63, NRSV)
The scene opens with Jesus already bound and in the custody of the temple guards. They are not just holding him; they are beginning their cruelty. They mock him and physically beat him. Jesus’ arrest was never going to be just a legal procedure—it was a calculated moment of brutality, designed to humiliate and degrade.
Isaiah 50:6 reminds us that Jesus was no stranger to suffering. “I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.”
These actions of mockery fulfill this prophecy. Jesus’ willingness to endure such abuse speaks volumes about the depth of his commitment to our salvation. His silence in the face of it all reveals the strength of his obedience.
The Trial of Jesus - El Greco’s ‘The Disrobing of Christ’ portrays the intense moment of Christ’s humiliation and suffering before His crucifixion, highlighting the dramatic contrast between divine innocence and human cruelty.
Luke 22:64
“They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, ‘Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?’” (Luke 22:64, NRSV)
In this verse, the guards blindfold Jesus and mock him as a prophet. They demand that he prophesy, making fun of his ability to reveal the unknown. The irony is profound. Jesus, who knows the hearts of all people (Luke 5:22), is now being treated as a fool.
The question “Who struck you?” is dripping with mockery. They are testing him—mocking him for his inability (or their perception of his inability) to avoid harm. Jesus, however, chooses to endure. This moment is both a direct insult and a fulfillment of the prophecy in Psalm 22:6–8, where the Messiah is mocked by those who reject him.
Luke 22:65
“They kept heaping many other insults on him.” (Luke 22:65, NRSV)
This was not a brief moment of cruelty but a prolonged attack. The intensity of the abuse escalates. They didn’t just stop at one insult—they kept going, each more cutting than the last. Jesus, ever the embodiment of grace, did not retaliate. He was fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth.”
In our own lives, how often do we react to insult with retaliation? Jesus shows us a better way—he endured without responding in kind. His silence is a powerful witness to us in times of injustice.
Jesus models the forgiveness and love he taught.
Luke 22:66
“When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council.” (Luke 22:66, NRSV)
After enduring the physical and emotional torment of the guards, Jesus is presented before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish authority. This is the formal start of his trial, but it is important to note that the Sanhedrin was not acting out of justice but out of a desire to eliminate Jesus. This mockery of justice foreshadows the injustice of the Roman trial that will follow.
As Joel B. Green notes in The Gospel of Luke, this trial is a “kangaroo court,” a foregone conclusion of condemnation rather than a genuine pursuit of truth. The injustice here parallels the rejection of Jesus in every age—when power and position come before truth.
Luke 22:67
“They said, ‘If you are the Messiah, tell us.’ He replied, ‘If I tell you, you will not believe.’” (Luke 22:67, NRSV)
The religious leaders now ask a loaded question—“Are you the Messiah?” But their question isn’t genuine. They have already decided that Jesus is a threat, and no amount of evidence will change their minds. Jesus’ response is cutting: “If I tell you, you will not believe.”
Jesus is highlighting the hardened nature of their hearts. No matter what he says, they will reject it. If he says no, then they will kill him for saying he was for the past 3 years. If he says yes, then they will kill him for saying he was for the past 3 years.
Luke 22:68
“And if I question you, you will not answer.” (Luke 22:68, NRSV)
Here, Jesus turns the tables. He knows they are not looking for answers—they are seeking a reason to accuse him. Jesus had asked them questions before, and they refused to answer (Luke 20:1–8). His question now exposes their hypocrisy.
As Darrell L. Bock points out in Luke: Volume 1, this interaction shows that the religious authorities have no interest in genuine dialogue. They are more concerned with maintaining their control and power.
Luke 22:69
“But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” (Luke 22:69, NRSV)
This is Jesus’ powerful declaration of his authority. He claims the title of “Son of Man,” a messianic title with roots in Daniel 7:13–14. In this statement, he affirms that, despite the mockery and suffering, he will soon take his place in glory at God’s right hand. Is he also no so subtly admitting he’s about to be killed?
This is not a claim to a temporary or earthly throne; it’s a claim to divine sovereignty. Even in his trial, Jesus holds on to the truth of who he is.
Luke 22:70
“All of them asked, ‘Are you, then, the Son of God?’ He said to them, ‘You say that I am.’” (Luke 22:70, NRSV)
When they press Jesus further, He answers affirmatively. The phrase “You say that I am” is not a denial—it’s a powerful affirmation. Jesus is openly claiming His divine nature, and this statement becomes the foundation of their charge against Him.
Luke 22:71
“Then they said, ‘What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!’” (Luke 22:71, NRSV)
This is the moment they’ve been waiting for—Jesus has declared himself to be the Son of God, and they now have their charge: blasphemy. With this confession, they can proceed with their plan to hand him over to the Roman authorities.
Dark the days of his suffering,
Bitter winds and shadows roughing,
Whips that tear, thorns that crown,
Innocence beneath the frown.
Dark the days of his distress,
Amid all lies, truth confessed
On the cross, he bore the weight,
For all sins, he sealed our fate
-Rev. Jason B. Elder
Meaning for Today: What Can We Learn from Luke 22:63-71
In this passage, we witness a stark contrast between the brutality of human sin and the unshakable resolve of Jesus. Even in the face of mockery, abuse, and injustice, he remains steadfast in his mission and self.
For us, this serves as both a challenge and a comfort. It challenges us to consider how we respond when faced with rejection or hardship. Do we retaliate, or do we follow Jesus’ example of humility and obedience?
At the same time, it comforts us because Jesus endured all of this for our sake. His suffering was not meaningless; it was the necessary step for our redemption. When we face trials, we can take solace in knowing that we serve a Savior who understands suffering intimately.
FAQ: Understanding the Mocking and Trial of Jesus
Why was Jesus mocked during His trial?
Jesus was mocked because He claimed to be the Messiah, but the religious leaders rejected him. They mocked his prophetic claims and used his words against him, ultimately charging him with blasphemy.
What is the significance of Jesus saying He would sit at God’s right hand?
This statement is a declaration of divine authority. Jesus is claiming his place in heaven, where He will reign as Lord. It also fulfills Old Testament prophecies like Psalm 110:1, which speaks of the Messiah’s exalted position
Why did Jesus remain silent during the mockery?
Jesus remained silent because he knew that his suffering was part of God’s plan for salvation. He endured the mockery and pain as a demonstration of his obedience to God’s will and his love for humanity.
