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The Plan to Kill Jesus(A)

26 After Jesus finished saying all these things [C this is the end of Jesus’ fifth and final discourse in Matthew; see 7:28], he told his ·followers [disciples], “You know that ·the day after tomorrow [L two days from now] is the day of the Passover Feast [C the festival during which an unblemished lamb was sacrificed]. On that day the Son of Man will be ·given to his enemies [handed over] to be crucified.”

Then the ·leading [T chief] priests and the elders ·had a meeting [assembled] at the ·palace [court] of the high priest, named Caiaphas. At the meeting, they ·planned [plotted] ·to set a trap [to act secretly/treacherously] to arrest Jesus and kill him. But they said, “We must not do it during the ·feast [Passover festival], because the people might cause a riot.”

Perfume for Jesus’ Burial(B)

Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon, ·who had a skin disease [L the leper; C for leprosy, see 8:2; Simon may have been healed by Jesus.]. While Jesus was there, a woman approached him with an alabaster ·jar [vial] filled with expensive perfume. She poured this perfume on Jesus’ head while he was ·eating [L reclining; C the posture for a banquet or dinner party].

His ·followers [disciples] were ·upset [indignant] when they saw the woman do this. They asked, “Why waste that perfume? It could have been sold for a great deal of money and the money given to the poor.”

10 Knowing what had happened, Jesus said, “Why are you ·troubling [bothering; criticizing] this woman? She did an ·excellent thing [beautiful/good deed] for me. 11 You will always have the poor with you [Deut. 15:11], but you will not always have me. 12 This woman poured perfume on my body to prepare me for burial. 13 I tell you the truth, wherever the ·Good News [Gospel] is preached in all the world, what this woman has done will be told, and people will remember her.”

Judas Betrays Jesus(C)

14 Then one of ·the twelve apostles [L the Twelve], [L who was called] Judas Iscariot, went to talk to the ·leading [T chief] priests. 15 He said, “What will you ·pay [give] me for ·giving [betraying; delivering] Jesus to you?” And they ·gave him [weighed/counted out] thirty silver coins [Zech. 11:12]. 16 After that, Judas watched for ·the best time [an opportunity] to ·turn Jesus in [betray him].

Jesus Eats the Passover Meal(D)

17 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the ·followers [disciples] came to Jesus. They said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover meal?”

18 Jesus answered, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: “·The chosen time is near [L My time has come/drawn near]. I will ·have [celebrate; observe] the Passover with my ·followers [disciples] at your house.”’” 19 The ·followers [disciples] did what Jesus told them to do, and they prepared the Passover meal.

20 In the evening Jesus was ·sitting at the table [L reclining; C the posture for a banquet] with his twelve ·followers [disciples]. 21 As they were eating, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will ·turn against [betray] me.”

22 This made the ·followers [disciples] very ·sad [distressed; pained]. Each one began to say to Jesus, “·Surely, Lord, I am not the one, am I [Surely not I, Lord; or Is it I, Lord]?”

23 Jesus answered, “The man who has dipped his hand with me into the bowl [C probably not a signal, but means “one who shares close fellowship with me”] is the one who will ·turn against [betray] me. 24 The Son of Man will ·die [go to his fate; L go], just as the Scriptures say. But ·how terrible it will be for [L woe to] the person ·who hands the Son of Man over to be killed [L by whom the Son of Man is betrayed]. It would be better for him if he had never been born.”

25 Then Judas, who would ·give Jesus to his enemies [betray him], said to Jesus, “·Teacher [L Rabbi], ·surely I am not the one, am I [surely not I; or is it I]?”

Jesus answered, “·Yes, it is you [L You have said it].”

The Lord’s Supper(E)

26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread and ·thanked God for [blessed] it and ·broke [divided] it. Then he gave it to his ·followers [disciples] and said, “·Take this bread and eat it [L Take, eat]; this is my body.”

27 Then Jesus took a cup and ·thanked God for it [gave thanks] and gave it to the ·followers [disciples]. He said, “Every one of you drink [L from] this. 28 This is my blood ·which is the new[a] agreement that God makes with his people [or which confirms/establishes the new covenant; L of the new covenant; Ex. 24:8. Jer. 31:31–34]. This blood is poured out for many ·to forgive their [T for the remission of] sins [Is. 53:12]. 29 I tell you this: I will not drink of this ·fruit of the vine [wine] again until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

30 After singing a hymn [C probably the Hallel psalms (Ps. 113—118), sung during the Passover meal], they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus’ Followers Will Leave Him(F)

31 Jesus told ·his followers [L them], “Tonight you will all ·stumble in your faith [fall away; desert] on account of me, because it is written in the Scriptures:

‘I will ·kill [strike] the shepherd,
and the sheep [L of the flock] will ·scatter [be scattered][Zech. 13:7].

32 But after ·I rise from the dead [L I am raised], I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

33 Peter said, “Everyone else may ·stumble in their faith [fall away; desert] because of you, but I will not.”

34 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, tonight before the rooster crows you will ·say three times you don’t know me [deny/disown me three times].”

35 But Peter said, “Even if I must die with you, I will never ·say that I don’t know [deny/disown] you!” And all the other ·followers [disciples] said the same thing.

Jesus Prays Alone(G)

36 Then Jesus went with his ·followers [disciples] to a place called Gethsemane. He said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with him, and he began to be very ·sad [sorrowful] and ·troubled [anguished; distressed]. 38 He said to them, “My ·heart [soul] is ·full of sorrow [overwhelmed with grief], to the point of death. Stay here and ·watch [stay awake; be alert] with me.”

39 After walking a little farther away from them, Jesus fell [with his face] to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, ·do not give me [L let pass from me] this ·cup of suffering [L cup; C suffering is metaphorically portrayed as something bitter to drink]. But do ·what you want [your will], not ·what I want [my will].” 40 Then Jesus went back to his ·followers [disciples] and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “You men could not ·stay awake [watch] with me for one hour? 41 ·Stay awake [Keep watch] and pray for strength ·against temptation [or not to fail the test]. The spirit ·wants to do what is right [is willing], but ·the body [or human nature; T the flesh] is weak.”

42 Then Jesus went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for ·this painful thing [L this thing; C the cup of suffering; v. 39] to be taken from me, and if I must ·do [drink] it, ·I pray that what you want [L may your] will be done.”

43 Then he went back to his ·followers [disciples], and again he found them asleep, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So Jesus left them and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing.

45 Then Jesus went back to his ·followers [disciples] and said, “·Are you still sleeping and resting? [or Go ahead, sleep and have your rest!] The time has come for the Son of Man to be ·handed over to [L betrayed/delivered into the hands of] sinful people. 46 Get up, we must go. Look, here comes ·the man who has turned against me [my betrayer].”

Jesus Is Arrested(H)

47 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of ·the twelve apostles [the Twelve], came up. With him were many people carrying swords and clubs who had been sent from the ·leading [T chief] priests and the Jewish elders of the people. 48 Judas had planned to give them a ·signal [sign], saying, “The man I kiss is ·Jesus [the one]. ·Arrest [Seize] him.” 49 At once Judas went to Jesus and said, “Greetings, ·Teacher [L Rabbi]!” and kissed him.

50 Jesus answered, “Friend, do what you came to do.”

Then the people came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him. 51 ·When that happened [L And look/T behold], one of ·Jesus’ followers [L those with Jesus] reached for his sword and pulled it out. He struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.

52 Jesus said to the man, “Put your sword back in its place. [L For] All who ·use swords [L take the sword] will ·be killed with swords [L die/perish by the sword]. 53 ·Surely [L Don’t…?] you know I could ask my Father, and he would give me more than twelve ·armies [legions] of angels. 54 But ·it must happen this way to bring about what the Scriptures say [L how, then, could the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?].”

55 Then Jesus said to the crowd, “You came to get me with swords and clubs as if I were a ·criminal [revolutionary; rebel; L robber; C the term “robber” was used by the Romans of insurrectionists]. Every day I sat in the Temple teaching, and you did not arrest me there. 56 But all these things have happened ·so that it will come about as the prophets wrote [L to fulfill the writings/scriptures of the prophets].” Then all of Jesus’ ·followers [disciples] ·left [deserted] him and ·ran away [fled].

Jesus Before the Leaders(I)

57 Those people who ·arrested [seized] Jesus led him to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest, where the ·teachers of the law [scribes] and the elders were gathered. 58 Peter followed far behind to the courtyard of the high priest’s house, and he sat down with the guards to see ·what would happen to Jesus [L the end/outcome].

59 The ·leading [T chief] priests and the whole ·Jewish council [Sanhedrin; C the highest Jewish court] tried to find ·something false [false evidence/testimony] against Jesus so they could ·kill [execute] him. 60 Many people came and ·told lies about him [testified falsely], but the council could find no real reason to kill him. ·Then [Finally] two people came and said, 61 “This man said, ‘I can destroy the Temple of God and build it again in three days.’”

62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Aren’t you going to answer? ·Don’t you have something to say about their [or What about these] ·charges [testimony] against you?” 63 But Jesus ·said nothing [was silent; Is. 53:7].

Again the high priest said to Jesus, “I ·command you by the power of [demand in the name of; put you under oath by] the living God: Tell us if you are the ·Christ [Messiah], the Son of God.”

64 Jesus answered, “·Those are your words [L You have said it/so; C an indirect affirmation]. But I tell you, ·in the future [L from now on] you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of God, the ·Powerful One [or the place of power; L power], and coming on ·clouds in the sky [the clouds of heaven; Ps. 110:1; Dan. 7:13–14].”

65 When the high priest heard this, he tore his clothes [C a sign of sorrow or outrage] and said, “This man has ·said things that are against God [blasphemed]! ·We don’t [Why should we…?] need any more witnesses; you all heard ·him say these things against God [the blasphemy]. 66 What ·do you think [is your verdict]?”

The people answered, “He ·should [deserves to; is guilty and should] die.”

67 Then the people there spat in Jesus’ face and beat him with their fists. Others slapped him. 68 They said, “·Prove to us that you are a prophet [L Prophesy to/for us], you ·Christ [Messiah]! Tell us who hit you!”

Peter Says He Doesn’t Know Jesus(J)

69 At that time, as Peter was sitting [L outside] in the courtyard, a servant girl came to him and said, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”

70 But Peter denied it in front of everyone. He said, “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

71 When he left the courtyard and was at the gate, another girl saw him. She said to the people there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

72 Again, ·Peter said he was never with him, saying, “I swear [L he denied it with an oath, saying,] I don’t know this man Jesus!”

73 A short time later, some people standing there went to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of those who followed Jesus. The way you talk shows it [C Peter’s Galilean accent gave him away].”

74 Then Peter began to place a curse on himself and swear, “I don’t know the man.” At once, a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered what Jesus had told him: “Before the rooster crows, you will ·say three times that you don’t know me [deny/disown me three times].” Then Peter went outside and ·cried painfully [T wept bitterly].

Footnotes

  1. Matthew 26:28 new Some Greek copies do not have this word. Compare Luke 22:20.

The Plot to Kill Jesus

26 When Jesus had finished saying all this,(A) He told His disciples, “You know[a] that the Passover takes place after two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”(B)

Then the chief priests[b] and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,(C) and they conspired to arrest Jesus in a treacherous way and kill Him.(D) “Not during the festival,” they said, “so there won’t be rioting among the people.”

The Anointing at Bethany

While Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon,(E) a man who had a serious skin disease, a woman approached Him with an alabaster jar of very expensive fragrant oil. She poured it on His head as He was reclining at the table. When the disciples(F) saw it, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This might have been sold for a great deal and given to the poor.”

10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a noble thing for Me. 11 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.(G) 12 By pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she has prepared Me for burial. 13 I assure you: Wherever this gospel(H) is proclaimed in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her.”

14 Then(I) one of the Twelve—the man called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests(J) 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” So they weighed out 30 pieces of silver for him.(K) 16 And from that time he started looking for a good opportunity to betray Him.

Betrayal at the Passover

17 On the first day of Unleavened Bread(L) the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare the Passover so You may eat it?”

18 “Go into the city to a certain man,” He said, “and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time is near; I am celebrating the Passover at your place[c] with My disciples.’”(M) 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. 20 When evening came, He was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 While they were eating, He said, “I assure you: One of you will betray Me.”(N)

22 Deeply distressed, each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?”

23 He replied, “The one who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl—he will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him,(O) but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”

25 Then Judas, His betrayer, replied, “Surely not I, Rabbi?”(P)

“You have said it,” He told him.

The First Lord’s Supper

26 As they were eating,(Q) Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples,(R) and said, “Take and eat it; this is My body.”(S) 27 Then He took a cup, and after giving thanks, He gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood that establishes the covenant;[d] it is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins.(T) 29 But I tell you, from this moment I will not drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it in a new way[e] in My Father’s kingdom(U) with you.” 30 After singing psalms,[f] they went out to the Mount of Olives.(V)

Peter’s Denial Predicted

31 Then Jesus said to them, “Tonight all of you will run away[g] because of Me, for it is written:

I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.(W)[h]

32 But after I have been resurrected, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”(X)

33 Peter told Him, “Even if everyone runs away because of You, I will never run away!”

34 “I assure you,” Jesus said to him, “tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times!”(Y)

35 “Even if I have to die with You,” Peter told Him, “I will never deny You!” And all the disciples said the same thing.

The Prayer in the Garden

36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane,[i](Z) and He told the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.(AA) 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is swallowed up in sorrow[j] —to the point of death.[k] Remain here and stay awake with Me.”(AB) 39 Going a little farther,[l] He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”(AC)

40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, “So, couldn’t you[m] stay awake with Me one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this[n] cannot pass[o] unless I drink it, Your will be done.”(AD) 43 And He came again and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open.[p]

44 After leaving them, He went away again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45 Then He came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting?[q] Look, the time is near. The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.(AE) 46 Get up; let’s go! See, My betrayer is near.”

The Judas Kiss

47 While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived.(AF) A large mob, with swords and clubs, was with him from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 His betrayer had given them a sign: “The One I kiss, He’s the One; arrest Him!” 49 So he went right up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

50 “Friend,”(AG) Jesus asked him, “why have you come?”[r]

Then they came up, took hold of Jesus, and arrested Him. 51 At that moment one of those with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword. He struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his ear.(AH)

52 Then Jesus told him, “Put your sword back in its place because all who take up a sword will perish by a sword.(AI) 53 Or do you think that I cannot call on My Father, and He will provide Me at once with more than 12 legions[s] of angels?(AJ) 54 How, then, would the Scriptures be fulfilled(AK) that say it must happen this way?”

55 At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal,[t] to capture Me? Every day I used to sit, teaching in the temple complex, and you didn’t arrest Me.(AL) 56 But all this has happened so that the prophetic Scriptures[u](AM) would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples(AN) deserted Him and ran away.

Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin

57 Those(AO) who had arrested Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas(AP) the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had convened. 58 Meanwhile, Peter was following Him at a distance right to the high priest’s courtyard.[v] He went in and was sitting with the temple police[w] to see the outcome.[x](AQ)

59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false testimony against Jesus so they could put Him to death.(AR) 60 But they could not find any, even though many false witnesses(AS) came forward.[y] Finally, two[z] who came forward 61 stated, “This man said, ‘I can demolish God’s sanctuary(AT) and rebuild it in three days.’”

62 The high priest then stood up and said to Him, “Don’t You have an answer to what these men are testifying against You?” 63 But(AU) Jesus kept silent.(AV) Then the high priest said to Him, “By the living God I place You under oath:(AW) tell us if You are the Messiah, the Son of God!”(AX)

64 “You have said it,”[aa] Jesus told him. “But I tell you, in the future[ab] you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”(AY)[ac]

65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed!(AZ) Why do we still need witnesses? Look, now you’ve heard the blasphemy!(BA) 66 What is your decision?”[ad]

They answered, “He deserves death!”(BB) 67 Then they spit in His face(BC) and beat Him; others slapped Him 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah! Who hit You?”(BD)

Peter Denies His Lord

69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard.(BE) A servant approached him and she said, “You were with Jesus the Galilean too.”

70 But he denied it in front of everyone: “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

71 When he had gone out to the gateway, another woman saw him and told those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazarene!”(BF)

72 And again he denied it with an oath,(BG) “I don’t know the man!”

73 After a little while those standing there approached and said to Peter, “You certainly are one of them, since even your accent[ae] gives you away.”

74 Then he started to curse[af] and to swear with an oath, “I do not know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed, 75 and Peter remembered the words Jesus had spoken, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”(BH) And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Footnotes

  1. Matthew 26:2 Or Know (as a command)
  2. Matthew 26:3 Other mss add and the scribes
  3. Matthew 26:18 Lit Passover with you
  4. Matthew 26:28 Other mss read new covenant
  5. Matthew 26:29 Or drink new wine; lit drink it new
  6. Matthew 26:30 Pss 113–118 were sung during and after the Passover meal.
  7. Matthew 26:31 Or stumble
  8. Matthew 26:31 Zch 13:7
  9. Matthew 26:36 A garden east of Jerusalem at the base of the Mount of Olives; Gethsemane = olive oil press
  10. Matthew 26:38 Or I am deeply grieved, or I am overwhelmed by sorrow; Ps 42:6,11; 43:5
  11. Matthew 26:38 Lit unto death
  12. Matthew 26:39 Other mss read Drawing nearer
  13. Matthew 26:40 = all 3 disciples because the verb in Gk is pl
  14. Matthew 26:42 Other mss add cup
  15. Matthew 26:42 Other mss add from Me
  16. Matthew 26:43 Lit because their eyes were weighed down
  17. Matthew 26:45 Or Sleep on now and take your rest.
  18. Matthew 26:50 Or Jesus told him, “do what you have come for.” (as a statement)
  19. Matthew 26:53 A Roman legion contained up to 6,000 soldiers.
  20. Matthew 26:55 Lit as against a criminal
  21. Matthew 26:56 Or the Scriptures of the prophets
  22. Matthew 26:58 Or high priest’s palace
  23. Matthew 26:58 Or the officers, or the servants
  24. Matthew 26:58 Lit end
  25. Matthew 26:60 Other mss add they found none
  26. Matthew 26:60 Other mss add false witnesses
  27. Matthew 26:64 Or That is true, an affirmative oath; Mt 27:11; Mk 15:2
  28. Matthew 26:64 Lit you, from now
  29. Matthew 26:64 Ps 110:1; Dn 7:13
  30. Matthew 26:66 Lit What does it seem to you?
  31. Matthew 26:73 Or speech
  32. Matthew 26:74 To call down curses on himself if what he said weren’t true

謀害耶穌

26 耶穌講完了這番話後,對門徒說: 「你們知道,兩天後就是逾越節,到時人子會被出賣,被釘在十字架上。」 那時,祭司長和民間的長老正聚集在大祭司該亞法的府裡, 密謀逮捕、殺害耶穌。 但他們認為在節日期間不宜下手,因為可能會在百姓中引起騷亂。

耶穌受膏

當耶穌在伯大尼患過痲瘋病的西門家裡時, 有個女子趁著祂坐席的時候,把一瓶珍貴的香膏倒在祂頭上。

門徒看見後,生氣地說:「真浪費, 這瓶香膏值不少錢,用來賙濟窮人多好!」

10 耶穌看出他們的心思,便說:「何必為難這女子?她在我身上做的是一件美事。 11 因為你們身邊總會有窮人,可是你們身邊不會總有我。 12 她把香膏澆在我身上是為我的安葬做準備。 13 我實在告訴你們,無論福音傳到世界哪個角落,人們都會傳揚這女人的事蹟,紀念她。」

猶大出賣耶穌

14 後來,十二門徒中的加略人猶大去見祭司長,說: 15 「如果我把耶穌交給你們,你們肯出多少錢?」他們就給了他三十塊銀子。 16 從那時起,猶大就尋找機會出賣耶穌。

最後的晚餐

17 除酵節的第一天,門徒來問耶穌說:「我們該在什麼地方為你準備逾越節的晚餐呢?」

18 耶穌說:「你們進城去,到某人那裡對他說,『老師說祂的時候到了,祂要與門徒在你家中過逾越節。』」 19 門徒照耶穌的吩咐準備了逾越節的晚餐。

20 傍晚,耶穌和十二個門徒吃晚餐。 21 席間,耶穌說:「我實在告訴你們,你們中間有一個人要出賣我。」

22 他們都非常憂愁,相繼追問耶穌,說:「主啊,肯定不是我吧?」

23 祂說:「那和我一同在盤子裡蘸餅吃的就是要出賣我的人。 24 人子一定會受害,正如聖經上有關祂的記載,但出賣人子的人有禍了,他還不如不生在這世上!」

25 出賣耶穌的猶大問祂:「老師,是我嗎?」

耶穌說:「你自己說了。」

26 他們吃的時候,耶穌拿起餅來,祝謝後掰開分給門徒,說:「拿去吃吧,這是我的身體。」

27 接著又拿起杯來,祝謝後遞給門徒,說:「你們都喝吧, 28 這是我為萬人所流的立約之血,為了使罪得到赦免。 29 我告訴你們,從今天起,一直到我在我父的國與你們共飲新酒的那一天之前,我不會再喝這葡萄酒。」 30 他們唱完詩歌,就出門去了橄欖山。

預言彼得不認主

31 耶穌對門徒說:「今天晚上,你們都要離棄我。因為聖經上說,『我要擊打牧人,羊群將四散。』 32 但我復活後,要先你們一步去加利利。」

33 彼得說:「即使所有的人都離棄你,我也永遠不會離棄你!」

34 耶穌說:「我實在告訴你,今夜雞叫以前,你會三次不認我。」

35 彼得說:「就算要我跟你一起死,我也不會不認你!」其餘的門徒也都這樣說。

在客西馬尼禱告

36 耶穌和門徒到了一個叫客西馬尼的地方,祂對門徒說:「你們坐在這裡,我到那邊去禱告。」 37 祂帶了彼得和西庇太的兩個兒子一起去。祂心裡非常憂傷痛苦, 38 就對他們說:「我心裡非常憂傷,幾乎要死,你們留在這裡跟我一起警醒。」

39 祂稍往前走,俯伏在地上禱告:「我父啊!如果可以,求你撤去此杯。然而,願你的旨意成就,而非我的意願。」

40 耶穌回到三個門徒那裡,見他們都睡著了,就對彼得說:「難道你們不能跟我一同警醒一時嗎? 41 你們要警醒禱告,免得陷入誘惑。你們的心靈雖然願意,肉體卻很軟弱。」

42 祂第二次去禱告說:「我父啊!如果我非喝此杯不可,願你的旨意成就。」 43 祂回來時見他們又睡著了,因為他們睏得眼皮發沉。 44 耶穌再次離開他們,第三次去禱告,說的是同樣的話。

45 然後,祂回到門徒那裡,對他們說:「你們還在睡覺,還在休息嗎?看啊!時候到了,人子要被出賣,交在罪人手裡了。 46 起來,我們走吧。看,出賣我的人已經來了!」

耶穌被捕

47 耶穌還在說話的時候,十二門徒中的猶大來了,隨行的還有祭司長和民間長老派來的一大群拿著刀棍的人。 48 出賣耶穌的猶大預先和他們定了暗號,說:「我親吻誰,誰就是耶穌,你們把祂抓起來。」 49 猶大隨即走到耶穌跟前,說:「老師,你好。」然後親吻耶穌。

50 耶穌對他說:「朋友,你要做的事,快動手吧。」於是那些人上前,下手捉拿耶穌。 51 耶穌的跟隨者中有人伸手拔出佩刀朝大祭司的奴僕砍去,削掉了他一隻耳朵。

52 耶穌對他說:「收刀入鞘吧!因為動刀的必死在刀下。 53 難道你不知道,我可以請求我父馬上派十二營以上的天使來保護我嗎? 54 我若這樣做,聖經上有關這事必如此發生的話又怎能應驗呢?」

55 那時,耶穌對眾人說:「你們像對付強盜一樣拿著刀棍來抓我嗎?我天天在聖殿裡教導人,你們並沒有來抓我。 56 不過這一切事的發生,是要應驗先知書上的話。」那時,門徒都丟下祂逃走了。

大祭司審問耶穌

57 捉拿耶穌的人把祂押到大祭司該亞法那裡。律法教師和長老已聚集在那裡。 58 彼得遠遠地跟著耶穌,一直跟到大祭司的院子裡。他坐在衛兵當中,想知道事情的結果。

59 祭司長和全公會的人正在尋找假證據來控告耶穌,好定祂死罪。 60 雖然有很多假證人誣告祂,但都找不到真憑實據。最後有兩個人上前高聲說:

61 「這個人曾經說過,『我能拆毀聖殿,三天內把它重建起來。』」

62 大祭司站起來質問耶穌:「你不回答嗎?這些人作證控告你的是什麼呢?」 63 耶穌還是沉默不語。

大祭司又對祂說:「我奉永活上帝的名命令你起誓告訴我們,你是不是上帝的兒子基督?」

64 耶穌說:「如你所言。但我告訴你們,將來你們要看見人子坐在大能者的右邊,駕著天上的雲降臨。」

65 大祭司撕裂衣服,說:「祂褻瀆了上帝!我們還需要什麼證人呢?你們現在親耳聽見了祂說褻瀆的話, 66 你們看怎麼辦?」

他們回應說:「祂該死!」

67 他們就吐唾沫在祂臉上,揮拳打祂。還有人一邊打祂耳光,一邊說: 68 「基督啊!給我們說預言吧,是誰在打你?」

彼得三次不認主

69 當時,彼得還坐在外面的院子裡,有一個婢女走過來對他說:「你也是跟那個加利利人耶穌一夥的。」

70 彼得卻當眾否認:「我不知道你在說什麼。」

71 正當他走到門口要離開時,另一個婢女看見他,就對旁邊的人說:「這個人是跟拿撒勒人耶穌一夥的!」

72 彼得再次否認,並發誓說:「我不認識那個人。」 73 過了一會兒,旁邊站著的人過來對彼得說:「你肯定也是他們一夥的,聽你的口音就知道了。」

74 彼得又賭咒又發誓,說:「我不認識那個人!」就在這時候,雞叫了。 75 彼得想起耶穌說的話:「在雞叫以前,你會三次不認我。」他就跑出去,失聲痛哭。

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.

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.