Matthew 26:47–56

Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest

^47aWhile 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.

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

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

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

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

⁵²Then 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?”

⁵⁵At 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.