The Verges Sanhedrin scene represents the center of religious power and the cradle of the conspiracy against Jesus. This pivotal moment in the Verges Procession sets the stage for the dramatic events to follow.
Following The Last Supper, the stage in the Square transforms into the palace of Caiaphas. Here, the high priests gather to decide the fate of the “prophet of Nazareth.” This scene is crucial for understanding the political and human side of the drama, marked by the authorities’ fear of a popular rebellion.
The Meeting of the High Priests
The action begins with a restless Caiaphas summoning the wise Pharisees: Annas, Benjamin, and Abdaron. An officer informs the council of Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, warning that the people proclaim him king, an act that could provoke Roman intervention.
Faced with this threat, Caiaphas delivers his most famous sentence: “It is highly convenient that he should die… and with the death of one man, so many people will not be lost.” This solemn declaration ends the theological debate and paves the way for the financial agreement with the betrayer.
The Pact with Judas and the Silver Coins
The most tense moment in the Verges Sanhedrin scene is the entrance of Judas Iscariot. With slow and solemn diction, Judas offers to hand over his master for a specific price: thirty pieces of silver.
- The Weighing of the Money: One of the most iconic details is when Judas counts the coins one by one before the Sanhedrin.
- The Defective Coin: In a moment of great realism, Judas finds a coin he dislikes and demands another “of full weight,” adding a layer of harshness to the business deal.
- The Oath: Faced with Benjamin’s distrust, Judas utters a terrible oath upon his own destiny: “If I do not sell you the one I must sell, may lightning from heaven turn me to ash!”
The Beginning of the Capture
Once the deal is sealed, Caiaphas orders the Manages (the Roman guards) to be armed. Judas establishes the code for the arrest: “The one I shall kiss…”. The scene ends with the squadron heading towards the Garden of Gethsemane, while the Dance of Death crosses the stage, symbolically marking the start of the Procession.
Last updated: April 21, 2026
