Chapter

Matthew 26:68

ESV saying, "Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?"
NIV and said, "Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?"
NASB and said, 'Prophesy to us, You Christ; who is the one who hit You?'
CSB and said, "Prophesy to us, Messiah! Who was it that hit you?"
NLT jeering, 'Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who hit you that time?'
KJV Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
NKJV saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?”

What does Matthew 26:68 mean?

Jesus has declared Himself to be the one and true Messiah (Matthew 26:64). This has left no possible room for misinterpretation: Jesus says He is not only the Savior, not only favored by God, but that He is God. The high priest and council have condemned Him for blasphemy and sentenced Him to die (Matthew 26:65–67). Now the abuse has begun. Some spit in His face and beat Him.

Mark clarifies that Jesus is blindfolded at this point (Mark 14:65). This is why abusers mock Him by telling Him to prophesy about who is hitting Him. Their point is that if Jesus were really the Christ, He would know this supernaturally.

Jesus, of course, knows all of this (Matthew 16:21). He has resolved Himself to submit to His Father's will and take all the cruelty which comes His way (Matthew 26:42). He will refuse to resist or ask His Father to send 12 legions of angels to save Him (Matthew 26:53). He will walk to the cross as a lamb to the slaughter to die for the sins of humanity as the sinless Son of God (Acts 8:32–35; Philippians 2:8).
Expand
Expand
Expand
What is the Gospel?
Download the app: