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The Plot to Kill Jesus

26 [a](A)Now it happened that 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)delivered over for crucifixion.”

(E)Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in (F)the court of the high priest, named (G)Caiaphas; and they (H)plotted together to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him. But they were saying, “Not during the festival, (I)lest a riot occur among the people.”

The Costly Perfume

(J)Now when Jesus was in (K)Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, (L)a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table. But when the disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good work to 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 proclaimed in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”

Judas Looks to Betray Jesus

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 (R)deliver Him to you?” And (S)they weighed out [c]thirty pieces of silver to him. 16 And from then on he began looking for a good opportunity to [d]betray [e]Jesus.

The Passover Meal

17 (T)Now on the first day of (U)Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “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 And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.

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

The Lord’s Supper

26 (AF)Now while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and [h](AG)after a blessing, He broke it. And giving it to the disciples, He 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 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 new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

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

31 Then Jesus *said to them, “You will all [i](AL)fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘(AM)I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be (AN)scattered.’ 32 But after I have been raised, (AO)I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” 33 But Peter answered and said to Him, “Even though all may [j]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 too.

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

36 (AS)Then Jesus *came with them to a place called (AT)Gethsemane, and *said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 And He took with Him (AU)Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, 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 *said to Peter, “So, you men could not (AZ)keep watch with Me for one hour? 41 (BA)Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; (BB)the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this (BC)cannot pass away unless I drink it, (BD)Your will be done.” 43 And 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, [k]Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, (BE)the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up, let us go; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

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

51 And behold, (BJ)one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew out his (BK)sword and struck the (BL)slave of the high priest and [l]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 shall 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 [m](BN)legions of (BO)angels? 54 Therefore, how will (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 robber? (BQ)Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me. 56 But all this has taken place in order that (BR)the Scriptures of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled.

Jesus Before Caiaphas

57 (BS)Now those who had seized 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 entered in, and sat down with the [n](BW)officers to see the outcome.

59 Now the chief priests and the whole (BX)Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. 60 And 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 [o]sanctuary of God and to rebuild it [p]in three days.’” 62 And the high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You not answer? What are these men testifying against You?” 63 But (CA)Jesus kept silent. (CB)And the high priest said to Him, “(CC)I put You under oath by (CD)the living God, that You tell us whether You are the [q]Christ, (CE)the Son of God.” 64 Jesus *said to him, (CF)You yourself said it; nevertheless I tell you, [r]hereafter 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 garments and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; 66 what do you think?” They answered and said, “(CJ)He deserves death!”

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

Peter’s Denials

69 (CN)Now Peter was sitting outside in the (CO)courtyard, and a servant-girl 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 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl 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, “Surely you too are one of them; (CP)for even the way you talk [u]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 word which Jesus had said, (CQ)Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and cried bitterly.

Footnotes

  1. Matthew 26:1 Lit And
  2. Matthew 26:15 Lit and I will
  3. Matthew 26:15 Silver shekels, approx. 120 days of a laborer’s wages
  4. Matthew 26:16 Or deliver
  5. Matthew 26:16 Lit Him
  6. Matthew 26:22 Or one after another
  7. Matthew 26:24 Lit for him if that man had not been born
  8. Matthew 26:26 Lit having blessed
  9. Matthew 26:31 Or stumble
  10. Matthew 26:33 Or stumble
  11. Matthew 26:45 Or Keep on sleeping therefore
  12. Matthew 26:51 Lit took off
  13. Matthew 26:53 A legion equaled 4,000-6,000 soldiers
  14. Matthew 26:58 Or servants
  15. Matthew 26:61 The inner part of the temple
  16. Matthew 26:61 Or after
  17. Matthew 26:63 Messiah
  18. Matthew 26:64 Or from now on
  19. Matthew 26:67 Or beat Him with rods
  20. Matthew 26:68 Messiah
  21. Matthew 26:73 Lit makes you evident

26 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,

Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,

And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.

But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.

Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.

But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?

For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.

10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.

11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.

13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

17 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?

18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.

19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.

20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.

21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?

23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.

24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him.

51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.

52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.

59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;

60 But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,

61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

63 But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.

66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,

68 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.

70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.

73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

The Plot to Kill Jesus

26 When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “You know that after two days it will be the Passover, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”

Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas. They plotted together how to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, “Not during the Festival, or else there might be a riot among the people.”

Mary Anoints Jesus

When Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, a woman approached him holding an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume. She poured it on his head as he was reclining at the table. But when his disciples saw this, they were upset and said, “Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold for a lot of money and given to the poor.”

10 Jesus was aware of this and said to them, “Why are you causing trouble for this woman? She has done a beautiful thing for me. 11 You are always going to have the poor with you, but you are not always going to have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13 Amen I tell you: Wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her.”

Judas Plans to Betray Jesus

14 Then one of the Twelve, the one named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From that time on Judas was looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Jesus Celebrates the Passover

17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”

18 He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him the Teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will observe the Passover with my disciples at your house.’”

19 The disciples did as Jesus commanded them and prepared the Passover. 20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.[a]

One Will Betray Jesus

21 As they were eating, he said, “Amen I tell you: One of you will betray me.”

22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after another, “Surely, not I, Lord?”

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

25 Judas, who betrayed him, replied, “Surely, not I, Rabbi?”

He said to him, “Yes, you are the one.”[b]

The Lord’s Supper

26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples. He said, “Take, eat, this is my body.” 27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the new[c] testament,[d] which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 30 After they sang a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

31 Then Jesus said to them, “This night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’[e] 32 But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

33 Peter answered him, “Even if all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.”

34 Jesus said to him, “Amen I tell you: Tonight 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 never deny you.” And all the disciples said the same.

Gethsemane

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane. He told his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and he began to be sorrowful and distressed. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to the point of death. Stay here, and keep watch with me.”

39 He went a little farther, fell on his face, and prayed. He said, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

40 He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “So, were you not able to stay awake with me for one hour? 41 Watch and pray, so that you do not enter into temptation. 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 pass from me[f] unless I drink it, may your will be done.” 43 Again he returned and found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time. He said the same words as before. 45 Then he returned to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise. Let us go. Look, my betrayer is near.”

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

47 While Jesus was still speaking, suddenly Judas (one of the Twelve) arrived. With him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign: “The one I kiss is the man. Arrest him.” 49 Immediately he went to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, why are you here?”

Then they advanced, took hold of Jesus, and arrested him. 51 Suddenly, one of the men with Jesus reached out his hand, drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place, because all who take the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you not realize that I could call on my Father, and at once he would provide me with more than twelve legions[g] of angels? 54 But then how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”

55 At that same time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out to arrest me with swords and clubs as if I were a robber? Day after day I was sitting in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But all this has happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

Jesus’ First Trial in the Sanhedrin

57 Those who had arrested Jesus led him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the experts in the law and the elders were assembled. 58 Peter was following him at a distance and went as far as the courtyard of the high priest. He went inside and sat down with the guards to see how it would turn out.

59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 They found none, even though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward 61 and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

62 The high priest stood up and said to him, “Have you no answer? What is this that these men are testifying against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I place 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 have said. But I tell you, soon you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? See, you have just heard the blasphemy! 66 What do you think?”

They answered, “He is deserving of death!” 67 Then they spit in his face and punched him. Some slapped him 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who hit you?”

Peter Denies Jesus

69 Meanwhile Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came to him and said, “You were also with Jesus the Galilean.”

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

71 When Peter went out to the entryway, someone else saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

72 Again Peter denied it with an oath and said, “I do not know the man.”

73 After a little while those who stood by came and said to Peter, “Surely you are also one of them because even your accent gives you away.”

74 Then he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man!” Just then the rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Footnotes

  1. Matthew 26:20 Some witnesses to the text add disciples.
  2. Matthew 26:25 Or It is what you yourself said, or You have said it yourself.
  3. Matthew 26:28 A few early witnesses to the text omit new.
  4. Matthew 26:28 As in last will and testament. See Galatians 3:15.
  5. Matthew 26:31 Zechariah 13:7
  6. Matthew 26:42 Some witnesses to the text omit from me.
  7. Matthew 26:53 A Roman legion contained as many as six thousand soldiers.

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.

26 Lorsque Jésus eut achevé tous ces discours, il dit à ses disciples:

Vous savez que la Pâque a lieu dans deux jours, et que le Fils de l'homme sera livré pour être crucifié.

Alors les principaux sacrificateurs et les anciens du peuple se réunirent dans la cour du souverain sacrificateur, appelé Caïphe;

et ils délibérèrent sur les moyens d'arrêter Jésus par ruse, et de le faire mourir.

Mais ils dirent: Que ce ne soit pas pendant la fête, afin qu'il n'y ait pas de tumulte parmi le peuple.

Comme Jésus était à Béthanie, dans la maison de Simon le lépreux,

une femme s'approcha de lui, tenant un vase d'albâtre, qui renfermait un parfum de grand prix; et, pendant qu'il était à table, elle répandit le parfum sur sa tête.

Les disciples, voyant cela, s'indignèrent, et dirent: A quoi bon cette perte?

On aurait pu vendre ce parfum très cher, et en donner le prix aux pauvres.

10 Jésus, s'en étant aperçu, leur dit: Pourquoi faites-vous de la peine à cette femme? Elle a fait une bonne action à mon égard;

11 car vous avez toujours des pauvres avec vous, mais vous ne m'avez pas toujours.

12 En répandant ce parfum sur mon corps, elle l'a fait pour ma sépulture.

13 Je vous le dis en vérité, partout où cette bonne nouvelle sera prêchée, dans le monde entier, on racontera aussi en mémoire de cette femme ce qu'elle a fait.

14 Alors l'un des douze, appelé Judas Iscariot, alla vers les principaux sacrificateurs,

15 et dit: Que voulez-vous me donner, et je vous le livrerai? Et ils lui payèrent trente pièces d'argent.

16 Depuis ce moment, il cherchait une occasion favorable pour livrer Jésus.

17 Le premier jour des pains sans levain, les disciples s'adressèrent à Jésus, pour lui dire: Où veux-tu que nous te préparions le repas de la Pâque?

18 Il répondit: Allez à la ville chez un tel, et vous lui direz: Le maître dit: Mon temps est proche; je ferai chez toi la Pâque avec mes disciples.

19 Les disciples firent ce que Jésus leur avait ordonné, et ils préparèrent la Pâque.

20 Le soir étant venu, il se mit à table avec les douze.

21 Pendant qu'ils mangeaient, il dit: Je vous le dis en vérité, l'un de vous me livrera.

22 Ils furent profondément attristés, et chacun se mit à lui dire: Est-ce moi, Seigneur?

23 Il répondit: Celui qui a mis avec moi la main dans le plat, c'est celui qui me livrera.

24 Le Fils de l'homme s'en va, selon ce qui est écrit de lui. Mais malheur à l'homme par qui le Fils de l'homme est livré! Mieux vaudrait pour cet homme qu'il ne fût pas né.

25 Judas, qui le livrait, prit la parole et dit: Est-ce moi, Rabbi? Jésus lui répondit: Tu l'as dit.

26 Pendant qu'ils mangeaient, Jésus prit du pain; et, après avoir rendu grâces, il le rompit, et le donna aux disciples, en disant: Prenez, mangez, ceci est mon corps.

27 Il prit ensuite une coupe; et, après avoir rendu grâces, il la leur donna, en disant: Buvez-en tous;

28 car ceci est mon sang, le sang de l'alliance, qui est répandu pour plusieurs, pour la rémission des péchés.

29 Je vous le dis, je ne boirai plus désormais de ce fruit de la vigne, jusqu'au jour où j'en boirai du nouveau avec vous dans le royaume de mon Père.

30 Après voir chanté les cantiques, ils se rendirent à la montagne des oliviers.

31 Alors Jésus leur dit: Je serai pour vous tous, cette nuit, une occasion de chute; car il est écrit: Je frapperai le berger, et les brebis du troupeau seront dispersées.

32 Mais, après que je serai ressuscité, je vous précèderai en Galilée.

33 Pierre, prenant la parole, lui dit: Quand tu serais pour tous une occasion de chute, tu ne le seras jamais pour moi.

34 Jésus lui dit: Je te le dis en vérité, cette nuit même, avant que le coq chante, tu me renieras trois fois.

35 Pierre lui répondit: Quand il me faudrait mourir avec toi, je ne te renierai pas. Et tous les disciples dirent la même chose.

36 Là-dessus, Jésus alla avec eux dans un lieu appelé Gethsémané, et il dit aux disciples: Asseyez-vous ici, pendant que je m'éloignerai pour prier.

37 Il prit avec lui Pierre et les deux fils de Zébédée, et il commença à éprouver de la tristesse et des angoisses.

38 Il leur dit alors: Mon âme est triste jusqu'à la mort; restez ici, et veillez avec moi.

39 Puis, ayant fait quelques pas en avant, il se jeta sur sa face, et pria ainsi: Mon Père, s'il est possible, que cette coupe s'éloigne de moi! Toutefois, non pas ce que je veux, mais ce que tu veux.

40 Et il vint vers les disciples, qu'il trouva endormis, et il dit à Pierre: Vous n'avez donc pu veiller une heure avec moi!

41 Veillez et priez, afin que vous ne tombiez pas dans la tentation; l'esprit es bien disposé, mais la chair est faible.

42 Il s'éloigna une seconde fois, et pria ainsi: Mon Père, s'il n'est pas possible que cette coupe s'éloigne sans que je la boive, que ta volonté soit faite!

43 Il revint, et les trouva encore endormis; car leurs yeux étaient appesantis.

44 Il les quitta, et, s'éloignant, il pria pour la troisième fois, répétant les mêmes paroles.

45 Puis il alla vers ses disciples, et leur dit: Vous dormez maintenant, et vous vous reposez! Voici, l'heure est proche, et le Fils de l'homme est livré aux mains des pécheurs.

46 Levez-vous, allons; voici, celui qui me livre s'approche.

47 Comme il parlait encore, voici, Judas, l'un des douze, arriva, et avec lui une foule nombreuse armée d'épées et de bâtons, envoyée par les principaux sacrificateurs et par les anciens du peuple.

48 Celui qui le livrait leur avait donné ce signe: Celui que je baiserai, c'est lui; saisissez-le.

49 Aussitôt, s'approchant de Jésus, il dit: Salut, Rabbi! Et il le baisa.

50 Jésus lui dit: Mon ami, ce que tu es venu faire, fais-le. Alors ces gens s'avancèrent, mirent la main sur Jésus, et le saisirent.

51 Et voici, un de ceux qui étaient avec Jésus étendit la main, et tira son épée; il frappa le serviteur du souverain sacrificateur, et lui emporta l'oreille.

52 Alors Jésus lui dit: Remets ton épée à sa place; car tous ceux qui prendront l'épée périront par l'épée.

53 Penses-tu que je ne puisse pas invoquer mon Père, qui me donnerait à l'instant plus de douze légions d'anges?

54 Comment donc s'accompliraient les Écritures, d'après lesquelles il doit en être ainsi?

55 En ce moment, Jésus dit à la foule: Vous êtes venus, comme après un brigand, avec des épées et des bâtons, pour vous emparer de moi. J'étais tous les jours assis parmi vous, enseignant dans le temple, et vous ne m'avez pas saisi.

56 Mais tout cela est arrivé afin que les écrits des prophètes fussent accomplis. Alors tous les disciples l'abandonnèrent, et prirent la fuite.

57 Ceux qui avaient saisi Jésus l'emmenèrent chez le souverain sacrificateur Caïphe, où les scribes et les anciens étaient assemblés.

58 Pierre le suivit de loin jusqu'à la cour du souverain sacrificateur, y entra, et s'assit avec les serviteurs, pour voir comment cela finirait.

59 Les principaux sacrificateurs et tout le sanhédrin cherchaient quelque faux témoignage contre Jésus, suffisant pour le faire mourir.

60 Mais ils n'en trouvèrent point, quoique plusieurs faux témoins se fussent présentés. Enfin, il en vint deux, qui dirent:

61 Celui-ci a dit: Je puis détruire le temple de Dieu, et le rebâtir en trois jours.

62 Le souverain sacrificateur se leva, et lui dit: Ne réponds-tu rien? Qu'est-ce que ces hommes déposent contre toi?

63 Jésus garda le silence. Et le souverain sacrificateur, prenant la parole, lui dit: Je t'adjure, par le Dieu vivant, de nous dire si tu es le Christ, le Fils de Dieu.

64 Jésus lui répondit: Tu l'as dit. De plus, je vous le déclare, vous verrez désormais le Fils de l'homme assis à la droite de la puissance de Dieu, et venant sur les nuées du ciel.

65 Alors le souverain sacrificateur déchira ses vêtements, disant: Il a blasphémé! Qu'avons-nous encore besoin de témoins? Voici, vous venez d'entendre son blasphème. Que vous en semble?

66 Ils répondirent: Il mérite la mort.

67 Là-dessus, ils lui crachèrent au visage, et lui donnèrent des coups de poing et des soufflets en disant:

68 Christ, prophétise; dis-nous qui t'a frappé.

69 Cependant, Pierre était assis dehors dans la cour. Une servante s'approcha de lui, et dit: Toi aussi, tu étais avec Jésus le Galiléen.

70 Mais il le nia devant tous, disant: Je ne sais ce que tu veux dire.

71 Comme il se dirigeait vers la porte, une autre servante le vit, et dit à ceux qui se trouvaient là; Celui-ci était aussi avec Jésus de Nazareth.

72 Il le nia de nouveau, avec serment: Je ne connais pas cet homme.

73 Peu après, ceux qui étaient là, s'étant approchés, dirent à Pierre: Certainement tu es aussi de ces gens-là, car ton langage te fait reconnaître.

74 Alors il se mit à faire des imprécations et à jurer: Je ne connais pas cet homme. Aussitôt le coq chanta.

75 Et Pierre se souvint de la parole que Jésus avait dite: Avant que le coq chante, tu me renieras trois fois. Et étant sorti, il pleura amèrement.