Matthew 26:47-61

Common English Bible

Arrest

⁴⁷ While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, came. With him was a large crowd carrying swords and clubs. They had been sent by the chief priests and elders of the people. ⁴⁸ His betrayer had given them a sign: “Arrest the man I kiss.” ⁴⁹ Just then he came to Jesus and said, “Hello, Rabbi.” Then he kissed him.

⁵⁰ But Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him.

⁵¹ One of those with Jesus reached for his sword. Striking the high priest’s slave, he cut off his ear. ⁵² Then Jesus said to him, “Put the sword back into its place. All those who use the sword will die by the sword. ⁵³ Or do you think that I’m not able to ask my Father and he will send to me more than twelve battle groups^[a] of angels right away? ⁵⁴ But if I did that, how would the scriptures be fulfilled that say this must happen?” ⁵⁵ Then Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me, like a thief? Day after day, I sat in the temple teaching, but you didn’t arrest me. ⁵⁶ But all this has happened so that what the prophets said in the scriptures might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Jesus and ran away.

Jesus before the council

⁵⁷ Those who arrested Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest. The legal experts and the elders had gathered there. ⁵⁸ Peter followed him from a distance until he came to the high priest’s courtyard. He entered that area and sat outside with the officers to see how it would turn out.

⁵⁹ The chief priests and the whole council were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they could put him to death. ⁶⁰ They didn’t find anything they could use from the many false witnesses who were willing to come forward. But finally they found two ⁶¹ who said, “This man said, ‘I can destroy God’s temple and rebuild it in three days.’”