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Matthew chapter 26

English Standard Version

1When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, 2“You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”
3Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. 5But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”
6Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. 8And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” 10But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. 11For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. 13Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”
14Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.
17Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” 19And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.
20When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” 23He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”
26Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
30And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.
36Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
47While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” 49And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51And behold, 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. 52Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” 55At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. 56But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.
57Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. 59Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward 61and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” 62And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 63But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” 67Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, 68saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”
69Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” 71And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” 73After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” 74Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. 75And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.
New International Version

1When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2As you know, the Passover is two days away--and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.'
3Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. 5But not during the festival,' they said, 'or there may be a riot among the people.'
6While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, 7a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
8When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. 'Why this waste?' they asked. 9This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.'
10Aware of this, Jesus said to them, 'Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.'
14Then one of the Twelve--the one called Judas Iscariot--went to the chief priests 15and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?' So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
17On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?'
18He replied, 'Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.'' 19So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
20When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21And while they were eating, he said, 'Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.'
22They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, 'Surely you don't mean me, Lord?'
23Jesus replied, 'The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.'
25Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, 'Surely you don't mean me, Rabbi?' Jesus answered, 'You have said so.'
26While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.'
27Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. 28This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.'
30When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
31Then Jesus told them, 'This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ''I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'
32But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.'
33Peter replied, 'Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.'
34Truly I tell you,' Jesus answered, 'this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.'
35But Peter declared, 'Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.' And all the other disciples said the same.
36Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, 'Sit here while I go over there and pray.' 37He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38Then he said to them, 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.'
39Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'
40Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. 'Couldn't you men keep watch with me for one hour?' he asked Peter. 41Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.'
42He went away a second time and prayed, 'My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.'
43When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
45Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, 'Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!'
47While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: 'The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.' 49Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, 'Greetings, Rabbi!' and kissed him.
50Jesus replied, 'Do what you came for, friend.' Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
52Put your sword back in its place,' Jesus said to him, 'for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?'
55In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, 'Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.' Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
57Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.
59The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death.
60But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward 61and declared, 'This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.''
62Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, 'Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?'
63But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, 'I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.'
64You have said so,' Jesus replied. 'But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.'
65Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, 'He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.
66What do you think?' 'He is worthy of death,' they answered.
67Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68and said, 'Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?'
69Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. 'You also were with Jesus of Galilee,' she said.
70But he denied it before them all. 'I don't know what you're talking about,' he said.
71Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, 'This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.'
72He denied it again, with an oath: 'I don't know the man!'
73After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, 'Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.'
74Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, 'I don't know the man!' Immediately a rooster crowed. 75Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: 'Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.' And he went outside and wept bitterly.
New American Standard Bible

1When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples, 2You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion.'
3At that time the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the courtyard of the high priest named Caiaphas; 4and they plotted together to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. 5But they were saying, 'Not during the festival, otherwise a riot might occur among the people.'
6Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the Leper, 7a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very expensive perfume, and she poured it on His head as He was reclining at the table. 8But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, 'Why this waste? 9For this perfume could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.' 10But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, 'Why are you bothering the woman? For she has done a good deed for Me. 11For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. 12For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial. 13Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her.'
14Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15and said, 'What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?' And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16And from then on he looked for a good opportunity to betray Jesus.
17Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?' 18And He said, 'Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, 'My time is near; I am keeping the Passover at your house with My disciples.'?’?' 19The disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.
20Now when evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve. 21And as they were eating, He said, 'Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.' 22Being deeply grieved, they began saying to Him, each one: 'Surely it is not I, Lord?' 23And He answered, 'He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. 24The Son of Man is going away just as it is written about Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.' 25And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, 'Surely it is not I, Rabbi?' Jesus *said to him, 'You have said it yourself.'
26Now while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, 'Take, eat; this is My body.' 27And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you; 28for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you, new, in My Father’s kingdom.'
30And after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
31Then Jesus *said to them, 'You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I WILL STRIKE THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK WILL BE SCATTERED.’ 32But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.' 33But Peter replied to Him, 'Even if they all fall away because of You, I will never fall away!' 34Jesus said to him, 'Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.' 35Peter *said to Him, 'Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!' All the disciples said the same thing as well.
36Then Jesus *came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and *told His disciples, 'Sit here while I go over there and pray.' 37And He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with Him, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38Then He *said to them, 'My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.'
39And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.' 40And He *came to the disciples and *found them sleeping, and He *said to Peter, 'So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? 41Keep watching and praying, so that you do not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.'
42He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if this cup cannot pass away unless I drink from it, Your will be done.' 43Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45Then He *came to the disciples and *said to them, 'Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Get up, let’s go; behold, the one who is betraying Me is near!'
47And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign previously, saying, 'Whomever I kiss, He is the one; arrest Him.' 49And immediately Judas went up to Jesus and said, 'Greetings, Rabbi!' and kissed Him. 50But Jesus said to him, 'Friend, do what you have come for.' Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested Him.
51And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52Then Jesus *said to him, 'Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword. 53Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?'
55At that time Jesus said to the crowds, 'Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a man inciting a revolt? Every day I used to sit within the temple grounds teaching, and you did not arrest Me. 56But all this has taken place so that the Scriptures of the prophets will be fulfilled.' Then all the disciples left Him and fled.
57Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. 58But Peter was following Him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and he came inside and sat down with the officers to see the outcome.
59Now the chief priests and the entire Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. 60They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, 61and said, 'This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’?' 62The high priest stood up and said to Him, 'Do You offer no answer for what these men are testifying against You?' 63But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, 'I place You under oath by the living God, to tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.' 64Jesus *said to him, 'You have said it yourself. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.'
65Then the high priest tore his robes and said, 'He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? See, you have now heard the blasphemy; 66what do you think?' They answered, 'He deserves death!'
67Then they spit in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him, 68and said, 'Prophesy to us, You Christ; who is the one who hit You?'
69Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a slave woman came to him and said, 'You too were with Jesus the Galilean.' 70But he denied it before them all, saying, 'I do not know what you are talking about.' 71When he had gone out to the gateway, another slave woman saw him and *said to those who were there, 'This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.' 72And again he denied it, with an oath: 'I do not know the man.' 73A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, 'You really are one of them as well, since even the way you talk gives you away.' 74Then he began to curse and swear, 'I do not know the man!' And immediately a rooster crowed. 75And Peter remembered the statement that Jesus had made: 'Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.' And he went out and wept bitterly.
Christian Standard Bible

1When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he told his disciples, 2"You know that the Passover takes place after two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified."
3Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, who was named Caiaphas, 4and they conspired to arrest Jesus in a treacherous way and kill him. 5"Not during the festival," they said, "so there won't be rioting among the people."
6While Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, 7a woman approached him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume. She poured it on his head as he was reclining at the table. 8When the disciples saw it, they were indignant. "Why this waste? " they asked. 9"This might have been sold for a great deal and given to the poor."
10Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a noble thing for me. 11You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me. 12By pouring this perfume on my body, she has prepared me for burial. 13Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her."
14Then one of the Twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15and said, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you? " So they weighed out thirty pieces of silver for him. 16And from that time he started looking for a good opportunity to betray him.
17On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover? "
18"Go into the city to a certain man," he said, "and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My time is near; I am celebrating the Passover at your place with my disciples.' " 19So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. 20When evening came, he was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21While they were eating, he said, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me."
22Deeply distressed, each one began to say to him, "Surely not I, Lord? "
23He replied, "The one who dipped his hand with me in the bowl--he will betray me. 24The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for him if he had not been born."
25Judas, his betrayer, replied, "Surely not I, Rabbi? ""You have said it," he told him.
26As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take and eat it; this is my body." 27Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, "Drink from it, all of you. 28For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." 30After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
31Then Jesus said to them, "Tonight all of you will fall away because of me, for it is written:I will strike the shepherd,and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.
32But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you to Galilee."
33Peter told him, "Even if everyone falls away because of you, I will never fall away."
34"Truly I tell you," Jesus said to him, "tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times."
35"Even if I have to die with you," Peter told him, "I will never deny you," and all the disciples said the same thing.
36Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he told the disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38He said to them, "I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with me." 39Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
40Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, "So, couldn't you stay awake with me one hour? 41Stay awake and pray, so that you won't enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
42Again, a second time, he went away and prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done." 43And he came again and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open.
44After leaving them, he went away again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45Then he came to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? See, the time is near. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Get up; let's go. See, my betrayer is near."
47While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. A large mob with swords and clubs was with him from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48His betrayer had given them a sign: "The one I kiss, he's the one; arrest him." 49So immediately he went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi! " and kissed him.
50"Friend," Jesus asked him, "why have you come? "Then they came up, took hold of Jesus, and arrested him. 51At that moment one of those with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword. He struck the high priest's servant and cut off his ear.
52Then Jesus told him, "Put your sword back in its place because all who take up the sword will perish by the sword. 53Or do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and he will provide me here and now with more than twelve legions of angels? 54How, then, would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way? "
55At that time Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture me? Every day I used to sit, teaching in the temple, and you didn't arrest me. 56But all this has happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and ran away.
57Those who had arrested Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had convened. 58Peter was following him at a distance right to the high priest's courtyard. He went in and was sitting with the servants to see the outcome.
59The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they could put him to death, 60but they could not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. Finally, two who came forward 61stated, "This man said, 'I can destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.' "
62The high priest stood up and said to him, "Don't you have an answer to what these men are testifying against you? " 63But Jesus kept silent. The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God."
64"You have said it," Jesus told him. "But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven."
65Then the high priest tore his robes and said, "He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? See, now you've heard the blasphemy.
66What is your decision? "They answered, "He deserves death! " 67Then they spat in his face and beat him; others slapped him 68and said, "Prophesy to us, Messiah! Who was it that hit you? "
69Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl approached him and said, "You were with Jesus the Galilean too."
70But he denied it in front of everyone: "I don't know what you're talking about."
71When he had gone out to the gateway, another woman saw him and told those who were there, "This man was with Jesus the Nazarene! "
72And again he denied it with an oath: "I don't know the man! "
73After a little while those standing there approached and said to Peter, "You really are one of them, since even your accent gives you away."
74Then he started to curse and to swear with an oath, "I don't know the man! " Immediately a rooster crowed, 75and Peter remembered the words Jesus had spoken, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
New Living Translation

1When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.'
3At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, 4plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. 5But not during the Passover celebration,' they agreed, 'or the people may riot.'
6Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. 7While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.
8The disciples were indignant when they saw this. 'What a waste!' they said. 9It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.'
10But Jesus, aware of this, replied, 'Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? 11You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. 12She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. 13I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.'
14Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests 15and asked, 'How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?' And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. 16From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.
17On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?'
18As you go into the city,' he told them, 'you will see a certain man. Tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time has come, and I will eat the Passover meal with my disciples at your house.’' 19So the disciples did as Jesus told them and prepared the Passover meal there.
20When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the Twelve. 21While they were eating, he said, 'I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.'
22Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, 'Am I the one, Lord?'
23He replied, 'One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me. 24For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!'
25Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, 'Rabbi, am I the one?' And Jesus told him, 'You have said it.'
26As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, 'Take this and eat it, for this is my body.'
27And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, 'Each of you drink from it, 28for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. 29Mark my words — I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.'
30Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.
31On the way, Jesus told them, 'Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
32But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.'
33Peter declared, 'Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.'
34Jesus replied, 'I tell you the truth, Peter — this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.'
35No!' Peter insisted. 'Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!' And all the other disciples vowed the same.
36Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, 'Sit here while I go over there to pray.' 37He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 38He told them, 'My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.'
39He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, 'My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.'
40Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, 'Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 41Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!'
42Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, 'My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.' 43When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open.
44So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. 45Then he came to the disciples and said, 'Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look — the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!'
47And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. 48The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: 'You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.' 49So Judas came straight to Jesus. 'Greetings, Rabbi!' he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.
50Jesus said, 'My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.' Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. 51But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.
52Put away your sword,' Jesus told him. 'Those who use the sword will die by the sword. 53Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? 54But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?'
55Then Jesus said to the crowd, 'Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day. 56But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.' At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.
57Then the people who had arrested Jesus led him to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of religious law and the elders had gathered. 58Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and came to the high priest’s courtyard. He went in and sat with the guards and waited to see how it would all end.
59Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death. 60But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, they could not use anyone’s testimony. Finally, two men came forward 61who declared, 'This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’'
62Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, 'Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?' 63But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, 'I demand in the name of the living God — tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.'
64Jesus replied, 'You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.'
65Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, 'Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy.
66What is your verdict?' 'Guilty!' they shouted. 'He deserves to die!'
67Then they began to spit in Jesus’ face and beat him with their fists. And some slapped him, 68jeering, 'Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who hit you that time?'
69Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, 'You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.'
70But Peter denied it in front of everyone. 'I don’t know what you’re talking about,' he said.
71Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, 'This man was with Jesus of Nazareth. '
72Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. 'I don’t even know the man,' he said.
73A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, 'You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.'
74Peter swore, 'A curse on me if I’m lying — I don’t know the man!' And immediately the rooster crowed.
75Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: 'Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.' And he went away, weeping bitterly.
King James Version

1And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, 2Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. 3Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, 4And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him. 5But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
6Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, 7There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. 8But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? 9For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. 10When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. 11For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. 12For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. 13Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
14Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, 15And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. 16And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
17Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? 18And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. 19And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover. 20Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. 21And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? 23And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. 24The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. 25Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
26And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. 30And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
31Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. 32But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. 33Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. 34Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 35Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
36Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. 37And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. 38Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. 40And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 42He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. 43And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. 44And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
47And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. 49And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. 50And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. 51And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. 52Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? 55In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. 56But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
57And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. 58But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. 59Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; 60But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, 61And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. 62And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? 63But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. 64Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. 65Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. 66What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. 67Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, 68Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
69Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. 70But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. 71And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. 72And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. 73And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. 74Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. 75And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

What does Matthew chapter 26 mean?

Jesus has concluded His public teaching ministry as well as His final teaching to the disciples before His death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21). He tells them that He will be delivered to be crucified in two days, on Passover. At the same time, the high priest is meeting at his home with the chief priests and elders. These men have already determined that Jesus needs to be killed (John 11:48–53). All that remains is their plans to make this happen (Matthew 26:1–5).

Christ and His disciples go to a dinner in Bethany, at the home of a man identified as Simon the leper. This is probably someone Jesus had healed. While Jesus reclines at the table, a woman opens an extraordinarily valuable bottle of perfumed ointment and anoints His head with it. This is Mary, the sister of Lazarus, the man Jesus has raised from death (John 11:1, 43–44). The disciples call this action a waste, saying the ointment could have been sold and the money given to the poor. John specifies that Judas is the primary complainer in this instance (John 12:1–8). Jesus corrects their attitude. As it will turn out, there will not be time for Jesus' body to be properly anointed before His hasty burial (Luke 23:52–56; Mark 16:1–5). The woman has performed a beautiful act of devotion that also serves to fill in this gap. Not only is her act justified, but it's also permanently tied to the story of the gospel (Matthew 26:6–13).

It's possible that this mild rebuke is the last straw for Judas. He goes to the chief priests and offers to turn Jesus over to them. Christ's enemies not only need someone to tell them where Jesus can be found away from crowds, they need someone to help identify Him to the arresting soldiers. In an era without photographs, and with little variation of clothes or hair, this was no small thing. They give Judas 30 pieces of silver and move up their timeline for Jesus' arrest and trial (Matthew 26:14–16).

Jesus and the disciples hold their Passover meal in the borrowed upper room of a house in Jerusalem. Jesus reveals that one of them will betray Him. He acknowledges to Judas that He knows exactly who this traitor is. Jesus introduces the sacrament of communion, commanding His disciples to eat a broken piece of bread as a symbol of His body. They are to drink a cup of wine as a symbol of His blood, soon to be shed for forgiveness of sins. A typical Passover meal used four cups of wine, at designated moments. The third of these is the cup of blessing, and it's possible this is the one Jesus identifies with His blood. If so, this would mean Jesus abstained from the fourth cup, representing the assembly of God's people, as a symbol of what will happen at His glorious return (Matthew 26:17–29).

After the Passover meal, Jesus tells the disciples that every one of them will abandon Him, but He will meet them in Galilee when He is raised up. Peter declares that he will not succumb to fear. He brashly promises to die before denying Jesus, putting his own loyalty above that of the other disciples. In response, Jesus predicts that Peter will directly deny association with Him three times before morning (Matthew 26:30–35).

The group walks to a garden called Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. Jesus has most of the disciples sit down and walks farther in with Peter, James, and John. He asks them to watch while He prays. He will return three times to find them sleeping. Jesus is in indescribable mental agony. The weight of what is about to happen is beyond human understanding. And so, in a very human and entirely legitimate prayer, Jesus tells God what He "desires," which is that these events would not have to happen. In the same moment, Jesus also explicitly commits to obeying the will of God the Father. Obviously, no one would "want" to suffer torture and death, but Christ is loyal to God's plan above all else (Matthew 26:36–44).

By the time Judas arrives with a crowd of soldiers and temple officers, Jesus is fully resolved to carry out the work of suffering the Father has given Him to do. It's possible Judas took this group to the upper room, first, and then came to look for Jesus in Gethsemane. Judas' pre-arranged sign is a friendly kiss. This is an especially despicable form of betrayal: the act itself requires trust, and Judas goes even further by referring to Jesus as his teacher. Christ, for His part, grants Judas one last kindness by referring to Him—possibly with sarcasm—as a "friend" (Matthew 26:45–50).

Peter (John 18:10) lashes out with a sword, maiming a servant. Peter is no swordsman, and this clumsy attack might even have been meant for Judas. Jesus immediately brings an end to this violence, telling Peter to put his sword back into its sheath. This is not the time or place for bloodshed. Not only does Jesus have the power to defend Himself (John 18:4–8), He could easily ask God to send tens of thousands of angels to fight for Him. That's not what needs to happen, however, so Jesus agrees to be arrested, and the disciples scatter into the night (Matthew 26:51–56).

Jesus' illegal and entirely false trial takes place in the middle of the night, at the mansion of the high priest. This occurs before members of the Jewish ruling body known as the Sanhedrin. Most likely, there are only enough members there to make their decisions official. Several false witnesses try to bring a charge against Jesus, but their claims are so contradictory that none of them are compelling (Mark 14:56–59). This not only speaks to Jesus' innocence, but false witness is a crime in and of itself; it should result in the death penalty (Deuteronomy 19:18). Among these failed attempts is a deliberate misquotation of Jesus own words (Matthew 26:57–61).

Finally, the high priest challenges Jesus over His claims of being the Messiah and the Son of God. Jesus not only accepts these terms, but drastically multiplies them. In His response, Jesus claims the power and judgment of God Himself (Psalm 110:1; Daniel 7:13). The men who have already rejected Jesus' role as Messiah (John 5:39–40) respond to this with rage and disgust, sentencing Jesus to death and triggering physical abuse (Matthew 26:62–68).

Peter, waiting in the courtyard (John 18:15–18), is accused three times of being with Jesus. Part of this accusation is brought on by his distinctive Galilean accent. Vowing on sacred objects and cursing himself, Peter does everything he can to avoid being associated with Christ in this dangerous moment. He denies even knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows. He runs away, weeping bitterly under the crushing weight of what he has done (Matthew 26:69–75).
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