[looks at Jesus with contempt and disgust, but he could barely recognize him because of the scars and bruises all over his face]
Who is this man you brought to us? He's chained up like a criminal.
He is Jesus! [pulls Jesus closer] The Nazarene troublemaker!
You are Jesus of Nazareth?
[Jesus does not reply]
They say you are a king. Where is this kingdom of yours? From what line of kings do you descend from?
[angrily]
Speak up!
You are just the son of some obscure carpenter, no? [the watching crowd chuckled]
Some say you are like the prophet Elijah, but he was carried off to the heavens in a chariot!
Why won't you say something? You have been brought here as a blasphemer! What do you say to that? Defend yourself.
I have spoken openly to everyone. I have taught in the temple where we all gathered. Ask those who have heard what I have to say.
Is that how you address the High Priest? With arrogance? [strikes Jesus]
If I have spoken evil, tell me what evil I have said. But if not, why do you hit me?
Yes, we will listen to those that have heard your blasphemies. Good! [sits beside Caiaphas and the other Pharisees] Let us hear them!
He cures the sick, with the help of devils! I have seen it. [the crowd is shocked]
He casts out devils, with the help of devils!
He calls himself the king! The King of the Jews! [the crowd begins to jeer]
No, he calls himself the Son of God! He said he would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days! [angrily spits at Jesus]
Worse! He claims he is the Bread of Life! And if we do not eat his flesh or drink his blood, we will not inherit eternal life! [the crowd throws insults on Jesus]
[stands up]
Silence! You are all under this man's spell. Either offer proof of his wrongdoing, or be quiet!
[intervening on Jesus's behalf]
This entire proceeding is an outrage! All I have heard from these "witnesses" is mindless contradiction! [the angry Pharisees proceed to kick him out, along with other Pharisees who try to defend Jesus]
[glares at Jesus]
Have you nothing to say at all? No answer to these accusations? Then, I ask you this, Jesus of Nazareth. Are you really the Messiah? Son of the living God?
[after a moment of silence, he looks at the Pharisees and the crowd]
I am. [everyone around him gasps in horror] And you will see the son of man sitting at the right hand of God, and arriving from the clouds of heaven.
[shocked]
Blasphemy! [he angrily tears his robes] You all heard him! Why bother with witnesses when he himself has blasphemed! [to the angry crowd] What is your verdict?!
[in unison]
DEATH!
