Matthew 26:47-56

Listen to Matthew 26:47-56

Jesus Is Arrested

47 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas arrived. He was one of the Twelve. 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 servant of the high priest with it. He cut off the servant'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.

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