Matthew 26:36–56

The Garden of Gethsemane

36 aThen Jesus * came with them to a place called bGethsemane, and * said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”

37 And He took with Him aPeter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed.

38 Then He * said to them, “aMy soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and bkeep watch with Me.”

39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let athis cup pass from Me; byet not as I will, but as You will.”

40 And He * came to the disciples and * found them sleeping, and * said to Peter, “So, you men could not akeep watch with Me for one hour?

41 “aKeep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; bthe spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this acannot pass away unless I drink it, bYour will be done.”

43 Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.

44 And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.

45 Then He * came to the disciples and * said to them, “1Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, athe hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.

46 “Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”

Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest

47 aWhile He was still speaking, behold, bJudas, one of the twelve, came up 1accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people.

48 Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.”

49 Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, aRabbi!” and kissed Him.

50 And Jesus said to him, “aFriend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.

51 And behold, aone of those who were with Jesus 1reached and drew out his bsword, and struck the aslave of the high priest and 2cut off his ear.

52 Then Jesus * said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for aall those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.

53 “Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve 1alegions of bangels?

54 “How then will athe Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?”

55 At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? aEvery day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me.

56 “But all this has taken place to fulfill athe Scriptures of the prophets.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled.