The Charge: Yahushua Condemned for Blasphemy

Introduction

Yahushua was not crucified for breaking Roman law. He was not executed for healing the sick or feeding the poor. The official charge that brought Him to the cross was blasphemy — the claim that He was equal with YHWH. The religious leaders understood exactly what He was saying, and they tore their robes in outrage.

The Trial in the Synoptic Gospels

Matthew 26:63–65

“The high priest said to Him, ‘I adjure You by the living God, tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.’ Then the high priest tore his robes and said, ‘He has uttered blasphemy! What further witnesses do we need?’”

Mark 14:61–64

“Again the high priest asked Him, ‘Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?’ And Jesus said, ‘I Am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.’ And the high priest tore his garments and said, ‘What further witnesses do we need? You have heard His blasphemy. What is your decision?’ And they all condemned Him as deserving death.”

Luke 22:69–70

“But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.’ So they all said, ‘Are You the Son of God, then?’ And He said to them, ‘You say that I Am.’ Then they said, ‘What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from His own lips.’”

The Gospel of John

John’s Gospel highlights the rising tension:

• John 5:18 – The Jews sought to kill Him “because He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.”

• John 8:58–59 – “Before Abraham was, I Am.” They picked up stones to kill Him.

• John 10:30–33 – “I and the Father are one.” The Jews answered, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone You but for blasphemy, because You, being a man, make Yourself God.”

• John 19:7 – At His trial before Pilate, the leaders cried: “We have a law, and according to that law He ought to die because He has made Himself the Son of God.”

The Verdict

The Gospels are clear: Yahushua’s own words condemned Him in the eyes of the priests. They understood His claims — and they charged Him with blasphemy. But what they called blasphemy was the truth of the Gospel: Yahushua is YHWH in the flesh.