Matthew 26:47-56
Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest
47 As Jesus was still speaking, Judas [Iscariot], one of the twelve [disciples], came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, [who came as representatives] from the chief priests and elders of the people.(A)
Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest
48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.”
49 Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Greetings (rejoice), Rabbi!” And he (a)kissed Him [in a deliberate act of betrayal].
50 Jesus said to Judas, “Friend, do what you came for.” Then they came and seized Jesus and arrested Him.
51 And (b)one of those who were with Jesus reached out and drew his sword, and struck [Malchus] the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear.(B)
52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back in its place; for all those who habitually draw the sword will die by the sword.(C)
Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest
53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will immediately provide Me with more than twelve (c)legions of angels?
54 How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen this way?”
55 At that moment Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Day after day I used to sit in the porches and courts of the temple teaching, and you did not arrest Me.
56 But all this has taken place so that the Scriptures of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.
Footnotes:
a.
Matthew 26:49: A kiss on either the hand or cheek was usually an act of homage and a common gesture of greeting and reverence given to a rabbi by his disciples, but done here to identify Jesus.
b.
Matthew 26:51: John identified this “one” as Peter.
c.
Matthew 26:53: A legion equaled 6,000 troops.