Matthew 26:47-68
Arrested and Questioned
Read the passage
47While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people.
48Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.”
49Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
50“Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him.
51At this, one of Jesus’ companions drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
52“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
53Are you not aware that I can 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 this way?”
55At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me.
56But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.
57Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and elders had gathered.
58But Peter followed Him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. And he went in and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.
59Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death.
60But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward
61and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
62So the high priest stood up and asked Him, “Have You no answer? What are these men testifying against You?”
63But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.”
64“You have said it yourself,” Jesus answered. “But I say to all of 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.”
65At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.
66What do you think?” “He deserves to die,” they answered.
67Then they spit in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him
68and said, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who hit You?”
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
While Jesus is still speaking, Judas arrives with a great crowd carrying swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders. Judas identifies Jesus with a kiss. One of Jesus' companions reaches for a sword and cuts off the ear of the high priest's servant.
Jesus tells him to put the sword away, saying that those who take the sword will perish by the sword. He explains that he could call on the Father for more than twelve legions of angels, but the Scriptures must be fulfilled. The disciples flee, and Jesus is taken to Caiaphas the high priest.
The scribes and elders seek false testimony against Jesus so that they can put him to death. Many false witnesses come forward, but the council does not find the testimony it seeks. Finally, two accuse Jesus of saying He could destroy God’s temple and rebuild it in three days.
The high priest asks Jesus whether he is the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus answers in a way that confirms his identity and speaks of the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds. The high priest tears his robes, calls the answer blasphemy, and the council condemns Jesus.
They spit in his face, strike him, and mock him. The passage shows both the injustice of the proceedings and Jesus' refusal to answer violence with violence.
How We Know
Jesus joins the seat at God’s right hand from Psalm 110 with the Son of Man coming on the clouds from Daniel 7. These are claims to royal authority, not a retreat from His identity under questioning. They explain why the high priest treats His answer as more than an ordinary defense.
Questions
1 How does Jesus respond when the crowd comes to arrest him?
AnswerHe stops His companion’s sword and says He could call on His Father for more than twelve legions of angels. He accepts arrest so that Scripture will be fulfilled.
2 What makes the witnesses' accusations unreliable?
AnswerThe council is already seeking testimony that will secure His death. Matthew calls the witnesses false; the proceedings are serving a chosen verdict rather than an honest inquiry.
3 Why is Jesus' submission not approval of the council's injustice?
AnswerHe accepts the path Scripture gives Him while exposing the armed crowd and answering with His true identity. Their false testimony and violence remain wrong even as He fulfills His Father’s purpose.
4 How should our household handle accusation without rumor or retaliation?
AnswerThe household can examine one way it handles accusation or conflict and choose evidence, calm speech, and protective action over rumor or retaliation.
What This Means for Us
Jesus has power to call for angelic rescue, yet He accepts arrest. The crowd’s weapons do not explain why He goes with them. He is carrying out the saving purpose of God revealed in Scripture, even as His companions abandon Him.
Before the council, the prisoner speaks as the Son of Man who will sit at God’s right hand and come on the clouds. The men judging Him will face His authority. Their mockery cannot change who He is, and His suffering cannot cancel His reign.
The search for false testimony also exposes a temptation close to home. Once we have decided someone is guilty, we may welcome any story that supports us. Refuse to repeat an accusation just because it suits your side. Following this truthful King calls for patient attention to evidence and care for the person being accused.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, keep us truthful when accusations spread and calm when conflict becomes heated. Protect people from violence and false testimony, give courage to those who need to speak, and make us servants of justice rather than revenge. Amen.