Matthew 26:47-56

Evangelical Heritage Version

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^[a] 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.