What does Luke 22:68 mean?

The Sanhedrin is holding trial against Jesus. The two illegal trials He faced at night mean little for the Jewish leaders. They were just trying to soften Jesus up. Here, they need Him to incriminate Himself. When they asked if He was the Christ, He admitted to it (Matthew 26:63–64). Now, He won't give them a straight answer. When they say, "If you are the Christ, tell us," He responds, "If I tell you, you will not believe" (Luke 22:67). The Jewish leaders already know but they will never accept. They are guilty of blasphemy.

The Sanhedrin don't realize that Jesus is putting them on trial and this is their final conviction. They know He fulfills the prophecies of the Messiah given in their Scriptures (John 5:39–40). The scribes of the Pharisees know those prophecies inside and out. But they refuse to accept the truth because they would rather keep their popularity with the people—an honor Jesus is systematically taking from them (John 11:45–53).

Jesus faced several trials before the crucifixion:

1. At night, at the home of the chief priest Annas (John 18:12–24).
2. At night, at the home of the high priest Caiaphas (Matthew 26:57–75; Mark 14:53–72; Luke 22:54–65; John 18:24–27).
3. At dawn, before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 27:1; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66–71).
4. Before Pilate (Matthew 27:2, 11–14; Mark 15:1–5; Luke 23:1–5; John 18:28–38).
5. Before Herod Antipas (Luke 23:6–12).
6. Before Pilate again (Matthew 27:15–26; Mark 15:6–15; Luke 23:13–25; John 18:38—19:16).