Matthew 26:47-56

New International Reader's Version

Jesus Is Arrested

⁴⁷ While Jesus was still speaking, Judas arrived. He was one of the 12 disciples. A large crowd was with him. They were carrying swords and clubs. The chief priests and the elders of the people had sent them. ⁴⁸ Judas, who was going to hand Jesus over, had arranged a signal with them. “The one I kiss is the man,” he said. “Arrest him.” ⁴⁹ So Judas went to Jesus at once. He said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him.

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

Then the men stepped forward. They grabbed Jesus and arrested him. ⁵¹ At that moment, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword. He pulled it out and struck the slave of the high priest with it. He cut off the slave’s ear.

⁵² “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “All who use the sword will die by the sword. ⁵³ Do you think I can’t ask my Father for help? He would send an army of more than 70,000 angels right away. ⁵⁴ But then how would the Scriptures come true? They say it must happen in this way.”

⁵⁵ At that time Jesus spoke to the crowd. “Am I leading a band of armed men against you?” he asked. “Do you have to come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courtyard teaching. And you didn’t arrest me. ⁵⁶ But all this has happened so that the words of the prophets would come true.” Then all the disciples left him and ran away.