Jesus Is Arrested

43Just as Jesus was speaking, Judas appeared. He was one of the Twelve. A crowd was with him. They were carrying swords and clubs. The chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders had sent them.

44Judas, who was going to hand Jesus over, had arranged a signal with them. “The one I kiss is the man,” he said. “Arrest him and have the guards lead him away.”

45So Judas went to Jesus at once. He said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him.

46The men grabbed Jesus and arrested him.

47Then one of those standing nearby pulled his sword out. He struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.

48“Am I leading a band of armed men against you?” asked Jesus. “Do you have to come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49Every day I was with you. I taught in the temple courtyard, and you didn’t arrest me. But the Scriptures must come true.”

50Then everyone left him and ran away.

51A young man was following Jesus. The man was wearing nothing but a piece of linen cloth. When the crowd grabbed him, 52he ran away naked. He left his clothing behind.