The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus^(A)

⁴⁷ While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came. And with him was a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people. ⁴⁸ Now he who betrayed Him had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I shall kiss is the Man. Seize Him.” ⁴⁹ He immediately came to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

⁵⁰ And Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?”

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

⁵² Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back in its place. For all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword. ⁵³ Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will at once give Me more than twelve legions of angels? ⁵⁴ But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”

⁵⁵ At that same moment Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a thief to take Me with swords and clubs? Daily I sat with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. ⁵⁶ But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.