The Life of Jesus

When Jesus returned the third time, He said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? That is enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Rise, let us go. See, My betrayer is approaching!”

While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders.

Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.”

Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

Then the men seized Jesus and arrested Him.

And one of the bystanders drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

Jesus asked the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw?

Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me. But this has happened that the Scriptures would be fulfilled.”

Then everyone deserted Him and fled.

One young man who had been following Jesus was wearing a linen cloth around his body. They caught hold of him,

but he pulled free of the linen cloth and ran away naked.

They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders, and scribes assembled.

Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he sat with the officers and warmed himself by the fire.

Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any.

For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent.

Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him:

“We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this man-made temple, and in three days I will build another that is made without hands.’”

But even their testimony was inconsistent.

So the high priest stood up before them and questioned Jesus, “Have You no answer? What are these men testifying against You?”

But Jesus remained silent and made no reply. Again the high priest questioned Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?”

“I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “Why do we need any more witnesses?

You have heard the blasphemy. What is your verdict?” And they all condemned Him as deserving of death.

Then some of them began to spit on Him. They blindfolded Him, struck Him with their fists, and said to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers received Him with slaps in His face.