A careful study of Jesus' opposition during His ministry will reveal that His main source of antagonism and trouble was religious people. Likewise, most of the trouble Christians have in their life is prompted or instigated by religious personalities. This may be a mutual friend, a fellow church goer, a denominational zealot, a cult member, or any other "religious" faction. It is almost always an act of revenge or even hatred. Sometimes, the greatest enemy a Christian has is the person (people) who are around them almost all the time. We need to understand that the devil will use us in this way unless we guard against being his disciple.

When a group of people are determined to cause significant damage to someone the illegal aspect of their action is conveniently ignored. Even in our times, the Biblical rules for discipline in church disputes are mostly set aside. In addition, civil trials are often a travesty because of the bad actions of some police officers, trial attorneys, judges, and juries. Many people have been irreversibly hurt (health damaged, bank accounts depleted, reputations destroyed) by false witnesses who were willing (coerced/paid) to lie under oath. This example in the Lord's life ought to help us understand that "false witnesses" can always be found who are willing to commit perjury in order to assist in an illegal action.

Of course, Jesus did not say that He would destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. (see John 2:13-22) His comments were aimed at His eventual crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. However, this false testimony gave the High Priest the ammunition he needed to ferociously attack Jesus with a question which he knew would cause a provocative answer. He set the stage for the charge of blasphemy. He really did not care at all about the Temple statement. In fact, I believe the High Priest knew exactly what Jesus meant and chose to repudiate Christ and reject Him for who He is. I think his question reveals the depth of his understanding. This same technique (using a none issue to set up a serious charge) is often used against Christians today. The infamous "right-wing conspiracy" charge, for instance. Usually, charges leveled against Christians are almost always preceded by cleverly disguised "hot-button" comments.

There was no way the Lord could avoid this scene. He certainly was not going to lie in order to escape the mob. And, it was evident that they were not searching for the truth. He spoke of His future, when He will authoritatively return in the clouds of heaven, and of His place at the right hand of Power. The truth did not matter. We need to understand that when the enemy attacks us, using people as his pawns, he will not be dissuaded by the truth. He only seeks to destroy. Right, though temporarily wronged, will win in the end!