WOW!!! I was really blessed by reading this portion of scripture, but in a whole new light! I believe that you have discovered something very important, and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
 
    As I read the end of the passage in Matt. 26, after Jesus had been led away, the words made me pay attention, but looking at it in a new light, as you suggest. Look at the following highlighted words and see what comes to mind if you are looking at this situation as the coming time of trouble; my comments are in blue.
 
 

57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. 59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council,  ( This would have been in the presence of the Sanhedrin, right, which has newly been reconvened?) sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;

60 But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, (We know two true witnesses will be coming during this time, so couldn't the enemy counterfeit this with two false ones, in order to deceive the elect who are looking for two witnesses?)

61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. (Could this be referring to the temple being rebuilt by the AC, who may say he can build it in three days, which could be three years?)

62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. 64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. (Jesus will be returning in the clouds after the tribulation)

65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.

66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.(They will be declaring that those who refuse the Mark will be guilty of death)

67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,

68 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.

70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.

73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man.(There will be those who will deny knowing Him, out of fear for their lives, just like Peter did.) And immediately the cock crew.

75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.(There will be many who will be weeping when Jesus returns after the tribulation, those who say to Him, but Lord, Lord didn't we do this....)