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26 Dhe ndodhi që, mbasi Jezusi i mbaroi të gjitha këto fjalime, u tha dishepujve të vet:

“Ju e dini se pas dy ditësh janë Pashkët dhe Biri i njeriut do të dorëzohet për t’u kryqëzuar.”

Atëherë krerët e priftërinjve, skribët dhe pleqtë e popullit u mblodhën në pallatin e kryepriftit që quhej Kajafa.

Edhe bënin këshillë për ta zënë Jezusin me dredhi dhe ta vrasin;

por thonin: “Jo gjatë festës, që të mos bëhet ndonjë trazirë në popull.”

Tani, kur Jezusi ishte në Betani, në shtëpinë e lebrozit Simon,

iu afrua një grua me një alabastër me vaj të parfumuar shumë të kushtueshëm, dhe ia derdhi mbi kokën e tij, kur ai po rrinte në tryezë.

Kur e panë këtë gjë, dishepujt e tij u zemëruan dhe thanë: “Përse gjithë ky shpenzim i kotë?

Ky vaj, në fakt, mund të shitej shumë shtrenjtë dhe paratë t’u jepeshin të varfërve.”

10 Por Jezusi e mori vesh dhe u tha atyre: “Pse e shqetësoni këtë grua? Ajo kreu në fakt një vepër të mirë ndaj meje.

11 Sepse të varfërit do t’i keni përherë me ju, por mua nuk do të më keni përherë.

12 Sepse, duke derdhur këtë vaj të parfumuar mbi trupin tim, ajo e bëri për ta përgatitur trupin tim për varrim.

13 Në të vërtetë unë po ju them se kudo që do të predikohet ky ungjill, në gjithë botën, do të tregohet edhe çfarë bëri kjo grua, në përkujtim të saj.”

14 Atëherë një nga të dymbëdhjetët, me emër Judë Iskarioti, shkoi te krerët e priftërinjëve,

15 dhe u tha atyre: “Sa do të më jepni që unë t’jua dorëzoj?.” Dhe ata i numëruan tridhjetë sikla argjendi.

16 Dhe qysh atëherë ai kërkonte rastin e përshtatshëm për ta tradhtuar.

17 Tani ditën e parë të ndormëve, dishepujt iu afruan Jezusit dhe i thanë: “Ku don të shtrojmë për të ngrënë Pashkën?.”

18 Dhe ai u përgjigj: “Shkoni në qytet te filani dhe i thoni: "Mësuesi thotë: Koha ime është afër; do të bëj Pashkën në shtëpinë tënde bashkë me dishepujt e mi".”

19 Atëherë dishepujt bënë ashtu si i kishte urdhëruar Jezusi dhe përgatitën Pashkën.

20 Dhe, kur u ngrys, ai u ul në tryezë bashkë me të dymbëdhjetët;

21 dhe, ndërsa po hanin, tha: “Në të vërtetë unë po ju them se një nga ju do të më tradhtojë.”

22 Ata u pikëlluan shumë dhe secili prej tyrefilloi të thotë: “Mos jam unë; Zot?.”

23 Dhe ai duke u përgjigjur, tha: “Ai që ka ngjyer bashkë me mua dorën në çanak, ai do të më tradhtojë.

24 Sikurse është shkruar për të, Biri i njeriut pa tjetër shkon; por mjerë ai njeri me anë të të cilit Biri i njeriut tradhtohet! Për të do të ishte më mirë të mos kishte lindur kurrë.”

25 Dhe Juda, ai që do ta tradhtonte, e pyeti dhe tha: “Rabbi, mos jam unë ai?.” Ai i tha: “Ti po thua!.”

26 Dhe ndërsa po hanin, Jezusi mori bukën, e bekoi, e theu, dhe ua dha dishepujve dhe tha: “Merrni, hani; ky është trupi im.”

27 Pastaj mori kupën, dhe falenderoi, dhe ua dha atyre duke thënë: “Pini prej tij të gjithë,

28 sepse ky është gjaku im, gjaku i besëlidhjes së re, i cili është derdhur për shumë për faljen e mëkatëve.

29 Dhe unë po ju them, se që tani e tutje unë nuk do të pi më nga ky fryt i hardhisë, deri në atë ditë kur, bashkë me ju, do ta pi të re në mbretërinë e Atit tim.”

30 Dhe, mbasi kënduan himnin, dolën jashtë te mali i Ullinjve.

31 Atëherë Jezusi u tha atyre: “Këtë natë të gjithë ju do të skandalizoheni për shkakun tim, sepse është shkruar: "Do të godas bariun dhe delet e kopesë do të shpërndahen".

32 Por, mbasi të jem ngjallur, do të shkoj përpara jush në Galile.”

33 Atëherë Pjetri duke u përgjigjur i tha: “Edhe sikur të gjithë të skandalizohen për shkakun tënd, unë nuk do të skandalizohem kurrë!.”

34 Jezusi i tha: “Në të vërtetë po të them se pikërisht këtë natë, para se të këndojë gjeli, ti do të më mohosh tri herë.”

35 Pjetri i tha: “Edhe sikur të duhej të vdisja bashkë me ty, nuk do të të mohoj kurrsesi.” Po atë thanë edhe të gjithë dishepujt.

36 Atëherë Jezusi shkoi bashkë me ta në një vend, që quhej Gjetsemani, dhe u tha dishepujve: “Uluni këtu, ndërsa unë po shkoi aty të lutem.”

37 Dhe mori me vete Pjetrin dhe të dy djemtë e Zebedeut, dhe filloi të ndjeje trishtim dhe ankth të madh.

38 Atëherë ai u tha atyre: “Shpirti im është thellësisht i trishtuar, deri në vdekje; qëndroni këtu dhe rrini zgjuar bashkë me mua.”

39 Dhe, si shkoi pak përpara, ra me fytyrë për tokë dhe lutej duke thënë: “Ati im, në qoftë se është e mundur, largoje prej meje këtë kupë; megjithatë, jo si dua unë, por si do ti.”

40 Pastaj u kthye te dishepujt dhe i gjeti që flinin, dhe i tha Pjetrit: “Po si, nuk mundët të vigjëloni me mua të paktën për një orë?

41 Rrini zgjuar dhe lutuni, që të mos bini në tundim; sepse fryma është gati, por mishi është i dobët.”

42 U largua përsëri për herë të dytë dhe u lut duke thënë: “Ati im, në qoftë se nuk është e mundur që kjo kupë të largohet prej meje pa u pirë prej meje, u bëftë vullneti yt!.”

43 Pastaj u kthye dhe i gjeti përsëri që flinin, sepse sytë u ishin rënduar.

44 Dhe, mbasi i la ata, u largua përsëri dhe u lut për të tretën herë, duke thënë të njëjtat fjalë.

45 Pastaj u kthye te dishepujt e vet dhe u tha atyre: “Tani vazhdoni të flini dhe pushoni; ja erdhi ora, dhe Biri i njeriut do të bjerë në duart e mëkatarëve.

46 Çohuni, të shkojmë; ja, ai që po më tradhëton është afër.”

47 Dhe ndërsa ai ende po fliste, ja Juda, një nga të dymbëdhjetët, erdhi, dhe bashkë me të një turmë e madhe me shpata dhe me shkopinj, e dërguar nga krerët e priftërinjve dhe nga pleqtë e popullit.

48 Tani ai që e tradhtonte u kishte dhënë atyre një shenjë, duke thënë: “Atë që unë do të puth, ai është; kapeni.”

49 Dhe menjëherë iu afrua Jezusit dhe i tha: “Tungjatjeta, Mësues!.” Dhe e puthi përzemërsisht.

50 Dhe Jezusi i tha: “Mik, çfarë ke ardhur të bësh?.” Atëherë ata iu afruan, vunë duart mbi Jezusin dhe e zunë.

51 Dhe ja, një nga ata që ishte me Jezusin, zgjati dorën, nxori shpatën e vet, iu hodh shërbëtorit të kryepriftit dhe ia preu veshin.

52 Atëherë Jezusi i tha: “Ktheje shpatën në vendin e vet, sepse të gjithë ata që rrokin shpatën, prej shpate do të vdesin.

53 A kujton ti, vallë, se unë nuk mund t’i lutem Atit tim, që të më dërgojë më shumë se dymbëdhjetë legjione engjëjsh?

54 Po atëherë si do të përmbusheshin Shkrimet, sipas të cilave duhet të ndodhë kështu?.”

55 Në atë moment Jezusi u tha turmave: “Ju dolët të më zini mua me shpata dhe me shkopinj, si kundër një kusar; e pra, çdo ditë isha ulur midis jush duke mësuar në tempull, dhe ju nuk më kapët.

56 Por të gjitha këto ndodhën që të përmbushen Shkrimet e profetëve.” Atëherë të gjithë dishepujt e lanë dhe ikën.

57 Dhe ata që e kishin arrestuar Jezusin e çuan te Kajafa, kryeprifti, ku tashmë ishin mbledhur skribët dhe pleqtë.

58 Dhe Pjetri e ndoqi nga larg deri në pallatin e kryepriftit, dhe, mbasi hyri aty, u ul bashkë me rojet për të parë fundin.

59 Tani krerët e priftërinjve, pleqtë dhe gjithë sinedri kërkonin ndonjë dëshmi të rreme kundër Jezusit, për ta vrarë,

60 por nuk gjetën asnjë; ndonëse u paraqitën shumë dëshmitarë të rremë, nuk e gjetën. Por në fund u paraqitën dy dëshmitarë të rremë,

61 të cilët thanë: “Ky ka thënë: "Unë mund ta shkatërroj tempullin e Perëndisë dhe ta rindërtoj për tri ditë".”

62 Atëherë kryeprifti u çua dhe i tha: “Nuk po përgjigjesh fare për çka po dëshmojnë këta kundër teje?.”

63 Por Jezusi rrinte në heshtje. Dhe kryeprifti vazhdoi duke thënë: “Unë po të përbej për Perëndinë e gjallë të na thuash në se ti je Krishti, Biri i Perëndisë.”

64 Jezusi i tha: “Ti po thua! Madje unë po ju them se në të ardhmen ju do ta shihni Birin e njeriut duke ndënjur në të djathtën e Pushtetit, dhe duke ardhur mbi retë e qiellit.”

65 Atëherë kryeprifti ia shqeu rrobat e veta, duke thënë: “Ai blasfemoi; ç’na duhen më dëshmitarët? Ja, tani e dëgjuat blasfeminë e tij.

66 Si ju duket juve?.” Dhe ata, duke u përgjigjur, thanë: “Ai është fajtor për vdekje!.”

67 Atëherë e pështynë në fytyrë, e goditën me shuplaka; dhe disa të tjerë i ranë me grushta,

68 duke thënë: “O Krisht, profetizo! Kush të ra?.”

69 Tani Pjetri ndënji përjashta, në oborr dhe një shërbëtore iu afrua duke thënë: “Edhe ti ishe me Jezusin, Galileasin.”

70 Por ai e mohoi përpara të gjithëve, duke thënë: “Nuk di ç’po thua!.”

71 Dhe kur ai po dilte në hajat, e pa atë një shërbëtore tjetër dhe u tha të pranishmëve: “Edhe ky ishte me Jezusin, Nazareasin!.”

72 Por ai përsëri e mohoi me be, duke thënë: “Unë nuk e njoh atë njeri.”

73 Mbas pak edhe të pranishmit iu afruan dhe i thanë Pjetrit: “Sigurisht, edhe ti je një nga ata, sepse e folura jote të tradhton!.”

74 Atëherë ai nisi të mallkojë dhe të bëjë be, duke thënë: “Unë nuk e njoh atë njeri.” Dhe në atë çast këndoi gjeli.

75 Atëherë Pjetri kujtoi atë që i kishte thënë Jezusi: “Para se të këndojë gjeli, do të më mohosh tri herë.” Dhe ai doli përjashta dhe qau me hidhërim.

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.

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(A)

26 Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, that He said to His disciples, (B)“You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”

(C)Then the chief priests, [a]the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and (D)plotted to take Jesus by [b]trickery and kill Him. But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the (E)people.”

The Anointing at Bethany(F)

And when Jesus was in (G)Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. (H)But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”

10 But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. 11 (I)For you have the poor with you always, but (J)Me you do not have always. 12 For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My (K)burial. 13 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus(L)

14 (M)Then one of the twelve, called (N)Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, (O)“What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.

Jesus Celebrates Passover with His Disciples(P)

17 (Q)Now on the first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”

18 And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, (R)“My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” ’ ”

19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.

20 (S)When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. 21 Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will (T)betray Me.”

22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?”

23 He answered and said, (U)“He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man indeed goes just (V)as it is written of Him, but (W)woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! (X)It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?”

He said to him, “You have said it.”

Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper(Y)

26 (Z)And as they were eating, (AA)Jesus took bread, [c]blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; (AB)this is My body.”

27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, (AC)“Drink from it, all of you. 28 For (AD)this is My blood (AE)of the [d]new covenant, which is shed (AF)for many for the [e]remission of sins. 29 But (AG)I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on (AH)until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

30 (AI)And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial(AJ)

31 Then Jesus said to them, (AK)“All of you will (AL)be [f]made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:

(AM)‘I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

32 But after I have been raised, (AN)I will go before you to Galilee.”

33 Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are [g]made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”

34 Jesus said to him, (AO)“Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”

35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”

And so said all the disciples.

The Prayer in the Garden(AP)

36 (AQ)Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and (AR)the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, (AS)“My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”

39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and (AT)prayed, saying, (AU)“O My Father, if it is possible, (AV)let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, (AW)not as I will, but as You will.

40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 (AX)Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. (AY)The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, [h]if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.

44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour [i]is at hand, and the Son of Man is being (AZ)betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”

Betrayal and Arrest in Gethsemane(BA)

47 And (BB)while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.

48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” 49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” (BC)and kissed Him.

50 But Jesus said to him, (BD)“Friend, why have you come?”

Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. 51 And suddenly, (BE)one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

52 But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, (BF)for all who take the sword will [j]perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with (BG)more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, (BH)that it must happen thus?”

55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. 56 But all this was done that the (BI)Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.”

Then (BJ)all the disciples forsook Him and fled.

Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin(BK)

57 (BL)And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. 58 But (BM)Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.

59 Now the chief priests, [k]the elders, and all the council sought (BN)false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, 60 [l]but found none. Even though (BO)many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last (BP)two [m]false witnesses came forward 61 and said, “This fellow said, (BQ)‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’ ”

62 (BR)And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” 63 But (BS)Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, (BT)“I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!”

64 Jesus said to him, It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, (BU)hereafter you will see the Son of Man (BV)sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

65 (BW)Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His (BX)blasphemy! 66 What do you think?”

They answered and said, (BY)“He is deserving of death.”

67 (BZ)Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and (CA)others struck Him with [n]the palms of their hands, 68 saying, (CB)“Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?”

Peter Denies Jesus, and Weeps Bitterly(CC)

69 (CD)Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”

70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”

71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

72 But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!”

73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your (CE)speech betrays you.”

74 Then (CF)he began to [o]curse and [p]swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!”

Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, (CG)“Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.

Footnotes

  1. Matthew 26:3 NU omits the scribes
  2. Matthew 26:4 deception
  3. Matthew 26:26 M gave thanks for
  4. Matthew 26:28 NU omits new
  5. Matthew 26:28 forgiveness
  6. Matthew 26:31 caused to take offense at Me
  7. Matthew 26:33 caused to take offense at You
  8. Matthew 26:42 NU if this may not pass away unless
  9. Matthew 26:45 has drawn near
  10. Matthew 26:52 M die
  11. Matthew 26:59 NU omits the elders
  12. Matthew 26:60 NU but found none, even though many false witnesses came forward.
  13. Matthew 26:60 NU omits false witnesses
  14. Matthew 26:67 Or rods,
  15. Matthew 26:74 call down curses
  16. Matthew 26:74 Swear oaths