Introduction
Events leading up to the arrest of Jesus.
Verses
1Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching.
2The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death, for they feared the people.
3Satan entered into Judas, who was also called Iscariot, who was counted with the twelve.
4He went away, and talked with the chief priests and captains about how he might deliver him to them.
5They were glad, and agreed to give him money.
6He consented, and sought an opportunity to deliver him to them in the absence of the multitude.
7The day of unleavened bread came, on which the Passover must be sacrificed.
9They said to him, “Where do you want us to prepare?”
10He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house which he enters.
11Tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” ’
13They went, found things as Jesus had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
14When the hour had come, he sat down with the twelve apostles.
15He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,
16for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in God’s Kingdom.”
17He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, “Take this, and share it amongst yourselves,
18for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until God’s Kingdom comes.”
19He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.”
20Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
21But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.
22The Son of Man indeed goes, as it has been determined, but woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!”
23They began to question amongst themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.
24A dispute also arose amongst them, which of them was considered to be greatest.
25He said to them, “The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’
26But not so with you. But one who is the greater amongst you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves.
27For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn’t it he who sits at the table? But I am amongst you as one who serves.
28But you are those who have continued with me in my trials.
29I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me,
30that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
31The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have all of you, that he might sift you as wheat,
32but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.”
33He said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!”
34He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times.”
35He said to them, “When I sent you out without purse, wallet, and sandals, did you lack anything?”
They said, “Nothing.”
They said, “Nothing.”
36Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword.
37For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: ‘He was counted with transgressors.’ For that which concerns me has an end.”
39He came out and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him.
41He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed,
42saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
43An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.
44Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.
45When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping because of grief,
47While he was still speaking, behold, a multitude, and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him.
49When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?”
50A certain one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
51But Jesus answered, “Let me at least do this”—and he touched his ear, and healed him.
52Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders, who had come against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?
53When I was with you in the temple daily, you didn’t stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
54They seized him, and led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed from a distance.
55When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard, and had sat down together, Peter sat amongst them.
56A certain servant girl saw him as he sat in the light, and looking intently at him, said, “This man also was with him.”
57He denied Jesus, saying, “Woman, I don’t know him.”
58After a little while someone else saw him, and said, “You also are one of them!”
But Peter answered, “Man, I am not!”
But Peter answered, “Man, I am not!”
59After about one hour passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Truly this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean!”
60But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.
61The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the Lord’s word, how he said to him, “Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.”
62He went out, and wept bitterly.
63The men who held Jesus mocked him and beat him.
64Having blindfolded him, they struck him on the face and asked him, “Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?”
65They spoke many other things against him, insulting him.
66As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people were gathered together, both chief priests and scribes, and they led him away into their council, saying,
68and if I ask, you will in no way answer me or let me go.
71They said, “Why do we need any more witness? For we ourselves have heard from his own mouth!”
Questions
1. What did Jesus say as he sat down to eat the Passover?
v 15 and 16 He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in God’s Kingdom.”
2. What did Jesus say the roles of the 12 apostles will be in his Kingdom?
v 30 ... You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
3. What did Jesus say in his prayer on the mount of Olives?
v 41 and 42 ... he knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
Summary Points
- v 1 to 6 The Jewish leaders continue to look for a way to execute Jesus. Judas offers to betray him when a suitable opportunity arises
- v 7 to 20 Jesus shares a meal with his disciples the night before his death. He gives special significance to the bread and wine they are having. He tells them to carry on doing this in his memory
- v 21 to 30 He then warns them he will be betrayed. They argue about their relative greatness, but Jesus emphasizes their need for humility
- v 31 to 38 Jesus says Peter will deny him and warns that his own end is in sight
- v 39 to 46 Jesus goes to a place on the Mount of Olives. He is tempted to pray for an alternative way. Then he is strengthened by an angel and by further prayer
- v 47 to 62 Jesus is betrayed and arrested. Peter fails under pressure and denies that he ever knew him. He is overcome with remorse
- v 63 to 71 Jesus is mistreated and is then led before the Jewish council
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