Conspiracy

In verses 53-65, we follow Jesus' accusers to the Sanhedrin.

Even a batch of false witnesses couldn't provide the "two or three witnesses" required by Old Testament law to condemn a criminal.

But when pressed by the religious leaders, Jesus repeated back their own words and acknowledged his divinity.

At this point, they all cried out that because of blasphemy, Jesus should be executed.

They would have been right if it were anyone but Jesus. Problem is, to be guilty of blasphemy, you need to be lying.