Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest

47 (A)And while He was still speaking, behold, (B)Judas, one of the twelve, came [a]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, (C)Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 But Jesus said to him, (D)Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested Him.

51 And behold, (E)one of those who were with Jesus [b]reached and drew his (F)sword, and struck the (G)slave of the high priest and [c]cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus *said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for (H)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 [d](I)legions of (J)angels? 54 How then would (K)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? (L)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 (M)the Scriptures of the prophets will be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled.

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 26:47 Lit and with him
  2. Matthew 26:51 Lit extended the hand
  3. Matthew 26:51 Lit took off
  4. Matthew 26:53 A legion equaled 6,000 troops

With Swords and Clubs

47-49 The words were barely out of his mouth when Judas (the one from the Twelve) showed up, and with him a gang from the high priests and religious leaders brandishing swords and clubs. The betrayer had worked out a sign with them: “The one I kiss, that’s the one—seize him.” He went straight to Jesus, greeted him, “How are you, Rabbi?” and kissed him.

50-51 Jesus said, “Friend, why this charade?”

Then they came on him—grabbed him and roughed him up. One of those with Jesus pulled his sword and, taking a swing at the Chief Priest’s servant, cut off his ear.

52-54 Jesus said, “Put your sword back where it belongs. All who use swords are destroyed by swords. Don’t you realize that I am able right now to call to my Father, and twelve companies—more, if I want them—of fighting angels would be here, battle-ready? But if I did that, how would the Scriptures come true that say this is the way it has to be?”

55-56 Then Jesus addressed the mob: “What is this—coming out after me with swords and clubs as if I were a dangerous criminal? Day after day I have been sitting in the Temple teaching, and you never so much as lifted a hand against me. You’ve done it this way to confirm and fulfill the prophetic writings.”

Then all the disciples cut and ran.

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