Matthew 26:36-75 ▼

36 After this, Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemani, and said to the disciples, stay here, while I go there and pray.

37 but he took with him Peter, and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be in a very great agony of grief.

38 and he said to them, "my soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death:" stay here and watch by me.

39 Then advancing a little further, he fell prostrate in prayer, and said, "O my father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not mine, but thy will be done."

40 then returning to the disciples, and finding them asleep, he said to Peter, what, could ye not watch by me one hour?

41 watch and pray that ye may not sink under the trial: the mind indeed is vigorous, but the flesh is weak.

42 again, he went away the second time, and prayed thus, "O my father, if I cannot avoid drinking this cup, thy will be done."

43 then returning, he found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

44 then he left them once more, and went to prayers the third time, using the same words.

45 and at his return, he said to his disciples, is this a time to sleep and take your rest? the hour draws nigh, and the son of man is betrayed into the hands of the gentiles.

46 rise, let us be gone, there he is, the traytor is just upon us.

47 And before he had done speaking, Judas one of the twelve appear'd, with a numerous retinue, arm'd with swords and staves, being sent by the chief priests and elders of the people.

48 now he that was to betray him, gave them this signal, the person I shall kiss, is the very man, be sure to secure him.

49 and immediately advancing to Jesus, he said, master, I salute you, and kissed him.

50 Jesus said to him, friend, what are you come about? when the others advancing, seized upon Jesus, and secur'd him.

51 At which, one of Jesus's company laying his hand upon his sword, drew it, and striking at a servant of the high priest's, took off his ear.

52 but Jesus said to him, put up your sword in its place: for all that take to the sword, shall perish by the sword.

53 do you think my father, if I should now desire it of him, would not instantly send me more than twelve legions of angels?

54 but how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, which say, that thus it must happen?

55 At the same time Jesus said to the company, you come to apprehend me with swords and clubs, as if in pursuit of a robber; I was every day with you teaching in the temple, and ye did not then seize upon me.

56 but all this was to be done, in pursuance of what the prophets had predicted, then all the disciples abandon'd him, and fled.

57 And they that had apprehended Jesus, led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the Scribes and the senators were assembled.

58 but Peter followed him at a distance to the high priest's palace, and going in, he sat with the officers to see the event.

59 Now the chief priests, the senators and the whole council, endeavour'd to get false evidence against Jesus, that he might be condemn'd to die.

60 but they found none: and though many false witnesses came, it was not found sufficient, at last there came two false witnesses, who charg'd him with saying,

61 "I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days."

62 and the high priest arose, and said to him, have you nothing in answer to that charge they bring against you?

63 but Jesus made no reply, and the high priest said to him, I conjure thee by the living God, to tell us, are you the Christ the son of God?

64 Jesus reply'd, I am: moreover I declare to you, within a while ye shall see the son of man sitting on the right hand of God, and coming on the clouds of heaven.

65 then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, he has spoke blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? you yourselves have now heard his blasphemy.

66 what is your opinion? they reply'd, he deserves to die.

67 then they spit in his face, some beat him on the head, others slapt him on the cheeks,

68 crying now Christ divine, who 't is that struck you?

69 In the mean time Peter was sitting without in the court: and a servant maid came to him, and said, you likewise was one of Jesus the Galilean's comrades.

70 but he denied it before them all, saying, I know nothing of the matter.

71 and when he was going out at the porch, another maid saw him, and said to those that were by, this fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

72 but he denied it again, and swore I don't know the man.

73 soon after they that stood by coming up, said to Peter, certainly you are one of them, for thy speech bewrays thee.

74 then he fell to solemn imprecations, and swore, "I don't know the man." and immediately the cock crew:

75 when Peter remembred what Jesus had said to him, "before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice." and he went out, and wept bitterly.