Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 26:68

"saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ: who is he that struck thee?" — Matthew 26:68 (ASV)

The messianic claims of the accused do not impress the Sanhedrin, and the indignities to which Jesus is now subjected are probably meant to deride his false pretensions. The true Messiah would vanquish all foes. But this man is spit on, punched, slapped, blindfolded (Mark 14:65), and taunted, without displaying any power. For “prophesy,” see comment on Mk 14:65.