The conflict between Jesus and the Sanhedrin is now fully out in the open. Whenever Jesus entered
the Jerusalem temple, he was confronted by various members of the Sanhedrin–the Jewish
religious ruling body. Although the Sanhedrin was composed of men from various Jewish groups
who agreed upon little if anything, the Sanhedrin was clearly united in its opposition to Jesus. Jesus had
entered Jerusalem to messianic acclaim the previous Sunday and had driven a group of merchants from
the outer court of the temple on Monday. But every time these men confronted Jesus, Jesus turned the
tables upon them. Although the members of the Sanhedrin were biblical scholars and known for their
great wisdom and learning, Jesus repeatedly confounded them with their own words. Meanwhile, the
crowds who watched the confrontation between Jesus and Sanhedrin play out in the temple precincts,
were amazed by Jesus’ teaching. But while the Sanhedrin was trying to trip Jesus up before the eyes of
the people (and perhaps the Romans), behind the scenes they were already plotting to have Jesus arrested
and put to death. --Kim Riddlebarger