The harmony of the Gospels in the holy history of the humiliation and sufferings…

Mark 14.61, 62. Again the high Priest asked him and said unto him, Art thou the Christ the son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am, and ye shall see the son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Here see, 1. The high Priest and Council finding and perceiving plainly, that they could find no just matter against him, nor any colour or appearance thereof, they invented another way to pick an appearance of matter against him, which might seem to be of weight in the eyes of the Jews, though it would be of no consideration among the Romans: and that was by an open and solemn putting Jesus to answer whether he was the Messiah or no.

Here see, 1. The high Priest and Council finding and perceiving plainly, that they could find no just matter against him, nor any colour or appearance thereof, they invented another way to pick an appearance of matter against him, which might seem to be of weight in the eyes of the Jews, though it would be of no consideration among the Romans: and that was by an open and solemn putting Jesus to answer whether he was the Messias or no.

For 1. If he denied it, or would not confess it, that would much ease and advantage them in putting him to Death, because they had found something of that point against him. 2. If he should confess it, that he is Christ the Messiah, they were resolved to make that the crime for which they would condemn him.