What does Luke 22:64 mean?

The Sanhedrin is holding an illegal trial against Jesus in the courtyard of the high priest Caiaphas. In the process, they mock the claim that He is a prophet. This attack has a deeper meaning than they know. Earlier, Pharisees told Jesus to flee because Herod Antipas was trying to kill Him. Jesus responded with His schedule for the next few months, saying He would go to Jerusalem "for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem" (Luke 13:31–35). He also told the scribes, "Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed. So you are witnesses and you consent to the deeds of your fathers, for they killed them, and you build their tombs" (Luke 11:47–48).

When Stephen gives his defense for his devotion to Jesus, He agrees with Jesus, saying, "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered" (Acts 7:51–52).

In the Mosaic law, it is a capital offense to give a prophecy that doesn't come true (Deuteronomy 18:20–22). Ironically, Jesus has just been proved to be a true prophet. He said that Peter will deny Him three times and Peter just has (Luke 22:31–34, 54–62). His prophecies will continue to come true as the religious leaders beat and kill Him (Luke 9:22, 44–45; 11:29–30; 18:31–34).

In truth, Jesus knows who is striking Him. He knows the motives of their hearts (Hebrews 4:13). He knows who will be responsible for convincing Pilate to crucify Him. And while He is hanging from the cross, He will say, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).