Matthew 26:47–68

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

47 And while* he was still speaking, behold, Judas—one of the twelve—arrived, and with him a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now the one who was betraying him had given them a sign, saying, “The one whom I kiss—he is the one.* Arrest him!” 49 And he came up to Jesus immediately and* said, “Greetings, Rabbi,” and kissed him. 50 And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do that* for which you have come.”i Then they came up and* laid hands on Jesus and arrested him.

51 And behold, one of those with Jesus extended his* hand and* drew his sword, and striking the slave of the high priest, cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place! For all who take up the sword will die by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot call upon my Father, and he would put at my disposal at once more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then would the scriptures be fulfilled that it must happen in this way?”

55 At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as against a robber, to arrest me? Every day in the temple courts* I sat teaching, and you did not arrest me! 56 But all this has happened in order that the scriptures of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then the disciples all abandoned him and* fled.

Jesus Before the Sanhedrin

57 Now those who had arrested Jesus led him* away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58 But Peter was following him from a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest. And he went inside and* was sitting with the officers to see the outcome. 59 Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false testimony against Jesus in order that they could put him to death. 60 And they did not find it,* although* many false witnesses came forward. And finally two came forward 61 and* said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it* within three days.’ ” 62 And the high priest stood up and* said to him, “Do you reply nothing? What are these people testifying against you?” 63 But Jesus was silent. And the high priest said to him, “I put you under oath by the living God, that you tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God!” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said it.* But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Powerj and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his robes, saying, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have just now heard the blasphemy! 66 What do you think?” And they answered and* said, “⌊He deserves death⌋!”k 67 Then they spat in his face and struck him with their fists, and they slapped him,* 68 saying, “Prophesy for us, you Christ! Who is it who hit you?”