The Plot to Kill Jesus

26 (A)When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples, (B)You know that after two days (C)the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be (D)handed over for crucifixion.”

(E)At that time the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in (F)the courtyard of the high priest named (G)Caiaphas; and they (H)plotted together to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. But they were saying, “Not during the festival, (I)otherwise a riot might occur among the people.”

The Precious Ointment

(J)Now when Jesus was in (K)Bethany, at the home of Simon [a]the Leper, (L)a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very expensive perfume, and she poured it on His head as He was reclining at the table. But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste? For this perfume could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you bothering the woman? For she has done a good deed for Me. 11 For you always have (M)the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. 12 For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it (N)to prepare Me for burial. 13 Truly I say to you, (O)wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her.”

Judas’ Bargain

14 (P)Then one of the twelve, named (Q)Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me [b]to [c](R)betray Him to you?” And (S)they set out for him thirty [d]pieces of silver. 16 And from then on he looked for a good opportunity to [e]betray [f]Jesus.

17 (T)Now on the first day of [g](U)Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and [h]asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 18 And He said, “Go into the city to (V)a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “(W)My time is near; I am keeping the Passover at your house with My disciples.”’” 19 The disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.

The Last Passover

20 (X)Now when evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the [i]twelve. 21 And as they were eating, He said, (Y)Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.” 22 Being deeply grieved, they began saying to Him, each one: “Surely it is not I, Lord?” 23 And He answered, (Z)He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man is going away (AA)just as it is written about Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! (AB)It would have been good [j]for that man if he had not been born.” 25 And (AC)Judas, who was betraying Him, said, “Surely it is not I, (AD)Rabbi?” Jesus *said to him, (AE)You have said it yourself.”

The Lord’s Supper Instituted

26 (AF)Now while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and [k](AG)after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for (AH)this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for (AI)many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you, new, in My Father’s kingdom.”

30 (AJ)And after singing a [l]hymn, they went out to (AK)the Mount of Olives.

31 Then Jesus *said to them, “You will all [m](AL)fall away because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘(AM)I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be (AN)scattered.’ 32 But after I have been raised, (AO)I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” 33 But Peter replied to Him, “Even if they all [n]fall away because of You, I will never fall away!” 34 Jesus said to him, (AP)Truly I say to you that (AQ)this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 35 Peter *said to Him, “(AR)Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” All the disciples said the same thing as well.

The Garden of Gethsemane

36 (AS)Then Jesus *came with them to a place called [o](AT)Gethsemane, and *told His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 And He took (AU)Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with Him, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38 Then He *said to them, (AV)My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and (AW)keep 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 (AX)this cup pass from Me; (AY)yet not as I will, but as You will.” 40 And He *came to the disciples and *found them sleeping, and He *said to Peter, “So, you men could not (AZ)keep watch with Me for one hour? 41 (BA)Keep watching and praying, so that you do not come into temptation; (BB)the spirit is [p]willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cup (BC)cannot pass away unless I drink from it, (BD)Your 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, [q]Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, (BE)the hour [r]is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up, let’s go; behold, the one who is betraying Me is near!”

Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest

47 (BF)And while He was still speaking, behold, (BG)Judas, one of the twelve, came [s]accompanied 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 previously, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; arrest Him.” 49 And immediately Judas went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, (BH)Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 But Jesus said to him, (BI)Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested Him.

51 And behold, (BJ)one of those who were with Jesus [t]reached and drew his (BK)sword, and struck the (BL)slave of the high priest and [u]cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus *said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for (BM)all those who take up the sword will 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 [v](BN)legions of (BO)angels? 54 How then would (BP)the 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 man inciting a revolt? (BQ)Every day I used to sit within the temple grounds teaching, and you did not arrest Me. 56 But all this has taken place so that (BR)the Scriptures of the prophets will be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled.

Jesus before Caiaphas

57 (BS)Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to (BT)Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. 58 But (BU)Peter was following Him at a distance, as far as the (BV)courtyard of the high priest, and he came inside and sat down with the [w](BW)officers to see the outcome.

59 Now the chief priests and the entire [x](BX)Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. 60 They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on (BY)two came forward, 61 and said, “This man stated, ‘(BZ)I am able to destroy the [y]temple of God and to rebuild it [z]in three days.’” 62 The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You offer no answer for what these men are testifying against You?” 63 But (CA)Jesus kept silent. (CB)And the high priest said to Him, “I (CC)place You under oath by (CD)the living God, to tell us whether You are the [aa]Christ, (CE)the Son of God.” 64 Jesus *said to him, (CF)You have said it yourself. But I tell you, from now on you will see (CG)the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and (CH)coming on the clouds of heaven.”

65 Then the high priest (CI)tore his [ab]robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? See, you have now heard the blasphemy; 66 what do you think?” They answered, “(CJ)He deserves death!”

67 (CK)Then they (CL)spit in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others [ac]slapped Him, 68 and said, “(CM)Prophesy to us, You [ad]Christ; who is the one who hit You?”

Peter’s Denials

69 (CN)Now Peter was sitting outside in the (CO)courtyard, and a slave woman came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” 71 When he had gone out to the gateway, another slave woman saw him and *said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 And again he denied it, with an oath: “I do not know the man.” 73 A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “You really are one of them as well, (CP)since even the way you talk [ae]gives you away.” 74 Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the statement that Jesus had [af]made: (CQ)Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

Judas’ Remorse

27 (CR)Now when morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus to put Him to death; and they bound Him and led Him away, and (CS)handed Him over to (CT)Pilate the governor.

Then when (CU)Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned (CV)the thirty [ag]pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? (CW)You shall see to it yourself!” And he threw the pieces of silver into (CX)the temple sanctuary and left; and (CY)he went away and hanged himself. The chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, “It is not lawful to put them in the temple treasury, since it is money paid for blood.” And they conferred together and [ah]with the money bought the Potter’s Field as a burial place for strangers. (CZ)For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “(DA)And [ai]they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the One whose price had been set by the sons of Israel; 10 (DB)and [aj]they gave them for the Potters Field, just as the Lord directed me.”

Jesus before Pilate

11 (DC)Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, “So You are the (DD)King of the Jews?” And Jesus said to him, (DE)It is as you say.” 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, (DF)He did not offer any answer. 13 Then Pilate *said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they are testifying against You?” 14 And still (DG)He did not answer him in regard to even a single [ak]charge, so the governor was greatly amazed.

15 (DH)Now at the Passover Feast the governor was accustomed to release for the [al]people any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And at that time they were holding a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus (DI)who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that it was because of envy that [am]they had handed Him over.

19 And (DJ)while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “See that you have nothing to do with that (DK)righteous Man; for [an]last night I suffered greatly (DL)in a dream because of Him.” 20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to (DM)ask for Barabbas, and to put Jesus to death. 21 And the governor [ao]said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate *said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus (DN)who is called Christ?” They all *said, “[ap]Crucify Him!” 23 But he said, “Why, what evil has He done?” Yet they kept shouting all the more, saying, “[aq]Crucify Him!”

24 Now when Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that (DO)a riot was starting, he took water and (DP)washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of (DQ)this Man’s blood; (DR)you yourselves shall see.” 25 And all the people replied, “(DS)His blood shall be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released Barabbas [ar]for them; but after having Jesus (DT)flogged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

Jesus Is Mocked

27 (DU)Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into (DV)the [as]Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman [at](DW)cohort to Him. 28 And they stripped Him and (DX)put a red [au]cloak on Him. 29 (DY)And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and put a [av]reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “(DZ)Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And (EA)they spit on Him, and took the reed and beat Him on the head. 31 (EB)And after they had mocked Him, they took the cloak off Him and put His own garments back on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him.

32 (EC)As they were coming out, they found a man of (ED)Cyrene named Simon, [aw]whom they compelled to carry His [ax]cross.

The Crucifixion

33 (EE)And when they came to a place called (EF)Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull, 34 (EG)they gave Him (EH)wine mixed with [ay]bile to drink; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink it.

35 And when they had crucified Him, (EI)they divided His garments among themselves by casting [az]lots. 36 And sitting down, they began to (EJ)keep watch over Him there. 37 And above His head they put up the charge against Him [ba]which read, “(EK)THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

38 At that time two [bb]rebels *were being crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 And those passing by were [bc]speaking abusively to Him, (EL)shaking their heads, 40 and saying, “(EM)You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! (EN)If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, 42 (EO)He saved others; [bd]He cannot save Himself! (EP)He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 (EQ)He has trusted in God; let God rescue Him now, if He [be]takes pleasure in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 (ER)And the [bf]rebels who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him in the same way.

45 (ES)Now from the [bg]sixth hour darkness [bh]fell upon all the land until the [bi]ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, (ET)Eli, Eli, lema sabaktanei?” that is, My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 47 And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” 48 And (EU)immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink. 49 But the rest of them said, “[bj]Let us see if Elijah comes to save Him[bk].” 50 And Jesus (EV)cried out again with a loud voice, and gave up His spirit. 51 (EW)And behold, (EX)the [bl]veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and (EY)the earth shook and the rocks were split. 52 Also the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the [bm]saints who had (EZ)fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered (FA)the holy city and appeared to many. 54 (FB)Now as for the centurion and those who were with him (FC)keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw (FD)the earthquake and the other things that were happening, they became extremely frightened and said, “Truly this was [bn](FE)the Son of God!”

55 (FF)And many women were there watching from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee while (FG)caring for Him. 56 Among them were (FH)Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and (FI)the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

Jesus Is Buried

57 (FJ)Now when it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea came, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock; and he rolled (FK)a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61 And (FL)Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.

62 Now on the next day, that is, the day which is after (FM)the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, 63 and they said, “Sir, we remember that when that deceiver was still alive, He said, ‘(FN)After three days I am rising.’ 64 Therefore, give orders for the tomb to be made secure until the third day; otherwise, His disciples may come and steal Him, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a (FO)guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.” 66 And they went and made the tomb secure with (FP)the guard, (FQ)sealing (FR)the stone.

Jesus Is Risen!

28 (FS)Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, (FT)Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the tomb. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for (FU)an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away (FV)the stone, and sat upon it. And (FW)his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook from fear of him and became like dead men. And the angel said to the women, “[bo](FX)Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, (FY)just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you (FZ)to Galilee. There you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”

And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to report to His disciples. And behold, Jesus met them [bp]and said, [bq]Rejoice!” And they came up and took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus *said to them, [br](GA)Do not be afraid; go, bring word to (GB)My brothers to leave (GC)for Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

11 Now while they were on their way, some of (GD)the men from the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to (GE)the governor’s ears, we will appease him and [bs]keep you out of trouble.” 15 And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely (GF)spread among the Jews and is (GG)to this day.

The Great Commission

16 But the eleven disciples proceeded (GH)to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated to them. 17 And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but (GI)some [bt]were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, (GJ)All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 [bu](GK)Go, therefore, and (GL)make disciples of (GM)all the nations, (GN)baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to [bv]follow all that I commanded you; and behold, (GO)I am with you [bw]always, to (GP)the end of the age.”

Footnotes

  1. Matthew 26:6 I.e., a nickname; the man no doubt was cured
  2. Matthew 26:15 Lit and I will
  3. Matthew 26:15 Or hand Him over to
  4. Matthew 26:15 I.e., silver shekels
  5. Matthew 26:16 Or hand over
  6. Matthew 26:16 Lit Him
  7. Matthew 26:17 I.e., Passover week
  8. Matthew 26:17 Lit said
  9. Matthew 26:20 One early ms twelve disciples
  10. Matthew 26:24 Lit for him if that man had not
  11. Matthew 26:26 Lit having blessed
  12. Matthew 26:30 Ps 113-118 were traditionally sung at Passover
  13. Matthew 26:31 I.e., have a lapse in faith
  14. Matthew 26:33 I.e., from the faith
  15. Matthew 26:36 I.e., oil press
  16. Matthew 26:41 Or eager
  17. Matthew 26:45 Or Keep on sleeping for the time remaining and
  18. Matthew 26:45 Or has approached
  19. Matthew 26:47 Lit and with him
  20. Matthew 26:51 Lit extended the hand
  21. Matthew 26:51 Lit took off
  22. Matthew 26:53 A legion equaled 6,000 troops
  23. Matthew 26:58 Or servants
  24. Matthew 26:59 Or Sanhedrin
  25. Matthew 26:61 Or sanctuary
  26. Matthew 26:61 Or after
  27. Matthew 26:63 I.e., Messiah
  28. Matthew 26:65 Or outer garments
  29. Matthew 26:67 Or possibly beat Him with rods
  30. Matthew 26:68 I.e., Messiah
  31. Matthew 26:73 Lit makes you evident
  32. Matthew 26:75 Lit said
  33. Matthew 27:3 Or silver shekels
  34. Matthew 27:7 Lit from them
  35. Matthew 27:9 Or I took; cf. Zech 11:13
  36. Matthew 27:10 Some early mss I gave
  37. Matthew 27:14 Lit word
  38. Matthew 27:15 Lit crowd
  39. Matthew 27:18 I.e., the Jewish leaders
  40. Matthew 27:19 Lit today
  41. Matthew 27:21 Lit answering, said to them
  42. Matthew 27:22 Lit Have Him crucified
  43. Matthew 27:23 Lit Have Him crucified
  44. Matthew 27:26 Or to them
  45. Matthew 27:27 I.e., the governor’s official residence
  46. Matthew 27:27 Normally 600 men (the number varied)
  47. Matthew 27:28 I.e., a Roman soldier’s cloak
  48. Matthew 27:29 Or staff; i.e., to mimic a king’s scepter
  49. Matthew 27:32 Lit this one
  50. Matthew 27:32 I.e., the crossbeam for a cross
  51. Matthew 27:34 Prob. referring to the taste of myrrh, added to lessen pain
  52. Matthew 27:35 Lit a lot
  53. Matthew 27:37 Lit written
  54. Matthew 27:38 Or robbers
  55. Matthew 27:39 Or blaspheming
  56. Matthew 27:42 Or can He not save Himself?
  57. Matthew 27:43 Or desires;
  58. Matthew 27:44 Or robbers
  59. Matthew 27:45 I.e., noon
  60. Matthew 27:45 Lit occurred
  61. Matthew 27:45 I.e., 3 p.m.
  62. Matthew 27:49 Lit Allow that we see
  63. Matthew 27:49 Some early mss And another took a spear and pierced His side, and there came out water and blood (cf. John 19:34)
  64. Matthew 27:51 Or curtain
  65. Matthew 27:52 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  66. Matthew 27:54 Or a son of God; or a son of a god
  67. Matthew 28:5 Or Stop being afraid
  68. Matthew 28:9 Lit saying
  69. Matthew 28:9 Or Greetings
  70. Matthew 28:10 Or Stop being afraid
  71. Matthew 28:14 Lit make you free from care
  72. Matthew 28:17 Or hesitated
  73. Matthew 28:19 Or Having gone (Gr aorist part.)
  74. Matthew 28:20 Or keep
  75. Matthew 28:20 Lit all the days

The Plot Against Jesus(A)

26 When Jesus had finished saying all these things,(B) he said to his disciples, “As you know, the Passover(C) is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”

Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled(D) in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,(E) and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him.(F) “But not during the festival,” they said, “or there may be a riot(G) among the people.”

Jesus Anointed at Bethany(H)(I)

While Jesus was in Bethany(J) in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.

When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”

10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you,[a](K) but you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.(L) 13 Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus(M)

14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot(N)—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.(O) 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

The Last Supper(P)(Q)(R)

17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread,(S) the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”(T)

18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time(U) is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”(V)

22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”

23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.(W) 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him.(X) But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him,(Y) said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”(Z)

Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it(AA) and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

27 Then he took a cup,(AB) and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the[b] covenant,(AC) which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.(AD) 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you(AE) in my Father’s kingdom.”

30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.(AF)

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial(AG)

31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me,(AH) for it is written:

“‘I will strike the shepherd,
    and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’[c](AI)

32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”(AJ)

33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”(AK)

35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you,(AL) I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

Gethsemane(AM)

36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee(AN) along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow(AO) to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”(AP)

39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup(AQ) be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”(AR)

40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me(AS) for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.(AT) The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”(AU)

43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour(AV) has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

Jesus Arrested(AW)

47 While he was still speaking, Judas,(AX) one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!”(AY) and kissed him.

50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”[d](AZ)

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword,(BA) drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.(BB)

52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.(BC) 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?(BD) 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled(BE) that say it must happen in this way?”

55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching,(BF) and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.”(BG) Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

Jesus Before the Sanhedrin(BH)

57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas(BI) the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest.(BJ) He entered and sat down with the guards(BK) to see the outcome.

59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin(BL) were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses(BM) came forward.

Finally two(BN) came forward 61 and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”(BO)

62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent.(BP)

The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath(BQ) by the living God:(BR) Tell us if you are the Messiah,(BS) the Son of God.”(BT)

64 “You have said so,”(BU) Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One(BV) and coming on the clouds of heaven.”[e](BW)

65 Then the high priest tore his clothes(BX) and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?”

“He is worthy of death,”(BY) they answered.

67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists.(BZ) Others slapped him 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?”(CA)

Peter Disowns Jesus(CB)

69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.

70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.

71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”

73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”

74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”

Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”(CC) And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Judas Hangs Himself

27 Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed.(CD) So they bound him, led him away and handed him over(CE) to Pilate the governor.(CF)

When Judas, who had betrayed him,(CG) saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver(CH) to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”

“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”(CI)

So Judas threw the money into the temple(CJ) and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.(CK)

The chief priests picked up the coins and said, “It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.” So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. That is why it has been called the Field of Blood(CL) to this day. Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:(CM) “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on him by the people of Israel, 10 and they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”[f](CN)

Jesus Before Pilate(CO)

11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”(CP)

“You have said so,” Jesus replied.

12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.(CQ) 13 Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?”(CR) 14 But Jesus made no reply,(CS) not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.

15 Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner(CT) chosen by the crowd. 16 At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus[g] Barabbas. 17 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”(CU) 18 For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.

19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat,(CV) his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent(CW) man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream(CX) because of him.”

20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.(CY)

21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.

“Barabbas,” they answered.

22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?”(CZ) Pilate asked.

They all answered, “Crucify him!”

23 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar(DA) was starting, he took water and washed his hands(DB) in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,”(DC) he said. “It is your responsibility!”(DD)

25 All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”(DE)

26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged,(DF) and handed him over to be crucified.

The Soldiers Mock Jesus(DG)

27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium(DH) and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him,(DI) 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said.(DJ) 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again.(DK) 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.(DL)

The Crucifixion of Jesus(DM)

32 As they were going out,(DN) they met a man from Cyrene,(DO) named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.(DP) 33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”).(DQ) 34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall;(DR) but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.(DS) 36 And sitting down, they kept watch(DT) over him there. 37 Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews.

38 Two rebels were crucified with him,(DU) one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads(DV) 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days,(DW) save yourself!(DX) Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”(DY) 41 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42 “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel!(DZ) Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe(EA) in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him(EB) now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

The Death of Jesus(EC)

45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness(ED) came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[h] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).[i](EE)

47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar,(EF) put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.(EG)

51 At that moment the curtain of the temple(EH) was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split(EI) 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and[j] went into the holy city(EJ) and appeared to many people.

54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding(EK) Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”(EL)

55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs.(EM) 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph,[k] and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.(EN)

The Burial of Jesus(EO)

57 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb(EP) that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

The Guard at the Tomb

62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’(EQ) 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body(ER) and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”

65 “Take a guard,”(ES) Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal(ET) on the stone(EU) and posting the guard.(EV)

Jesus Has Risen(EW)

28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene(EX) and the other Mary(EY) went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake,(EZ) for an angel(FA) of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone(FB) and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.(FC) The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid,(FD) for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.(FE) Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.(FF) There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them.(FG) “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers(FH) to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

The Guards’ Report

11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards(FI) went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away(FJ) while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report gets to the governor,(FK) we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

The Great Commission

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.(FL) 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.(FM) 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,(FN) baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,(FO) 20 and teaching(FP) them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you(FQ) always, to the very end of the age.”(FR)

Footnotes

  1. Matthew 26:11 See Deut. 15:11.
  2. Matthew 26:28 Some manuscripts the new
  3. Matthew 26:31 Zech. 13:7
  4. Matthew 26:50 Or “Why have you come, friend?”
  5. Matthew 26:64 See Psalm 110:1; Daniel 7:13.
  6. Matthew 27:10 See Zech. 11:12,13; Jer. 19:1-13; 32:6-9.
  7. Matthew 27:16 Many manuscripts do not have Jesus; also in verse 17.
  8. Matthew 27:46 Some manuscripts Eloi, Eloi
  9. Matthew 27:46 Psalm 22:1
  10. Matthew 27:53 Or tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they
  11. Matthew 27:56 Greek Joses, a variant of Joseph