The Gospel According to St. Matthew

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- Chapter 26 -

(Mark 14:1–2; Luke 22:1–2; John 11:45–57)

And it happened that, when Jesus had completed all these words, he said to his disciples,

“You know that after two days the Passover will begin, and the Son of man will be handed over to be crucified.”

Then the leaders of the priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas.

And they took counsel so that by deceitfulness they might take hold of Jesus and kill him.

But they said, “Not on the feast day, lest perhaps there may be a tumult among the people.”

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

(Mark 14:3–9; Luke 7:36–50; John 12:1–8)

And when Jesus was in Bethania, in the house of Simon the leper,

a woman drew near to him, holding an alabaster box of precious ointment, and she poured it over his head while he was reclining at table.

But the disciples, seeing this, were indignant, saying: “What is the purpose of this waste?

For this could have been sold for a great deal, so as to be given to the poor.”

But Jesus, knowing this, said to them: “Why are you bothering this woman? For she has done a good deed to me.

For the poor you will always have with you. But you will not always have me.(a)

For in pouring this ointment on my body, she has prepared for my burial.

Amen I say to you, wherever this Gospel will be preached in the whole world, what she has done also shall be told, in memory of her.”

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

(Mark 14:10–11; Luke 22:3–6)

Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the leaders of the priests,

and he said to them, “What are you willing to give me, if I hand him over to you?” So they appointed thirty pieces of silver for him.

And from then on, he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Preparing the Passover

(Mark 14:12–16; Luke 22:7–13)

Then, on the first day of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus, saying, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?”(b)

(c)

So Jesus said, “Go into the city, to a certain one, and say to him: ‘The Teacher said: My time is near. I am observing the Passover with you, along with my disciples.’ ”

And the disciples did just as Jesus appointed to them. And they prepared the Passover.

The Last Supper

(Mark 14:17–26; Luke 22:14–23; 1 Corinthians 11:17–34)

Then, when evening arrived, he sat at table with his twelve disciples.

And while they were eating, he said: “Amen I say to you, that one of you is about to betray me.”

And being greatly saddened, each one of them began to say, “Surely, it is not I, Lord?”(d)

But he responded by saying: “He who dips his hand with me into the dish, the same will betray me.

Indeed, the Son of man goes, just as it has been written about him. But woe to that man by whom the Son of man will be betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had not been born.”

Then Judas, who betrayed him, responded by saying, “Surely, it is not I, Master?” He said to him, “You have said it.”

Now while they were eating the meal, Jesus took bread, and he blessed and broke and gave it to his disciples, and he said: “Take and eat. This is my body.”(e)

And taking the chalice, he gave thanks. And he gave it to them, saying: “Drink from this, all of you.(f)

For this is my blood of the new covenant, which shall be shed for many as a remission of sins.(g)

But I say to you, I will not drink again from this fruit of the vine, until that day when I will drink it new with you in the kingdom of my Father.”(h)

And after a hymn was sung, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

(Zechariah 13:7–9; Mark 14:27–31; Luke 22:31–38; John 13:36–38)

Then Jesus said to them: “You will all fall away from me in this night. For it has been written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’(i)

But after I have risen again, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Then Peter responded by saying to him, “Even if everyone else has fallen away from you, I will never fall away.”

Jesus said to him, “Amen I say to you, that in this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”

Peter said to him, “Even if it is necessary for me to die with you, I will not deny you.” And all the disciples spoke similarly.

Jesus Prays at Gethsemane

(Mark 14:32–42; Luke 22:39–46)

Then Jesus went with them to a garden, which is called Gethsemani. And he said to his disciples, “Sit down here, while I go there and pray.”

And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and saddened.

Then he said to them: “My soul is sorrowful, even unto death. Stay here and keep vigil with me.”

And continuing on a little further, he fell prostrate on his face, praying and saying: “My Father, if it is possible, let this chalice pass away from me. Yet truly, let it not be as I will, but as you will.”

And he approached his disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter: “So, were you not able to keep vigil with me for one hour?

Be vigilant and pray, so that you may not enter into temptation. Indeed, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Again, a second time, he went and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this chalice cannot pass away, unless I drink it, let your will be done.”

And again, he went and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.

And leaving them behind, again he went and prayed for the third time, saying the same words.

Then he approached his disciples and said to them: “Sleep now and rest. Behold, the hour has drawn near, and the Son of man will be delivered into the hands of sinners.

Rise up; let us go. Behold, he who will betray me draws near.”

The Betrayal of Jesus

(Mark 14:43–52; Luke 22:47–53; John 18:1–14)

While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived, and with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, sent from the leaders of the priests and the elders of the people.

And he who betrayed him gave them a sign, saying: “Whomever I will kiss, it is he. Take hold of him.”

And quickly drawing close to Jesus, he said, “Hail, Master.” And he kissed him.

And Jesus said to him, “Friend, for what purpose have you come?” Then they approached, and they put their hands on Jesus, and they held him.

And behold, one of those who were with Jesus, extending his hand, drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

Then Jesus said to him: “Put your sword back in its place. For all who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.

Or do you think that I cannot ask my Father, so that he would give me, even now, more than twelve legions of Angels?

How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must be so?”

In that same hour, Jesus said to the crowds: “You went out, as if to a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me. Yet I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not take hold of me.

But all this has happened so that the Scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples fled, abandoning him.

Jesus before the Sanhedrin

(Mark 14:53–65; Luke 22:66–71; John 18:19–24)

But those who were holding Jesus led him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had joined together.

Then Peter followed him from a distance, as far as the court of the high priest. And going inside, he sat down with the servants, so that he might see the end.

Then the leaders of the priests and the entire council sought false testimony against Jesus, so that they might deliver him to death.

And they did not find any, even though many false witnesses had come forward. Then, at the very end, two false witnesses came forward,

and they said, “This man said: ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and, after three days, to rebuild it.’ ”

And the high priest, rising up, said to him, “Have you nothing to respond to what these ones testify against you?”

But Jesus was silent. And the high priest said to him, “I bind you by an oath to the living God to tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”

Jesus said to him: “You have said it. Yet truly I say to you, hereafter you shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of the power of God, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Then the high priest tore his garments, saying: “He has blasphemed. Why do we still need witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy.

How does it seem to you?” So they responded by saying, “He is guilty unto death.”

Then they spit in his face, and they struck him with fists. And others struck his face with the palms of their hands,

saying: “Prophesy for us, O Christ. Who is the one that struck you?”

Peter Denies Jesus

(Mark 14:66–72; Luke 22:54–62; John 18:15–18)

Yet truly, Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a maidservant approached him, saying, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.”

But he denied it in the sight of them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”

Then, as he exited by the gate, another maidservant saw him. And she said to those who were there, “This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

And again, he denied it with an oath, “For I do not know the man.”

And after a little while, those who were standing nearby came and said to Peter: “Truly, you also are one of them. For even your manner of speaking reveals you.”

Then he began to curse and to swear that he had not known the man. And immediately the rooster crowed.

And Peter remembered the words of Jesus, which he had said: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And going outside, he wept bitterly.

Footnotes

(a)26:11 Me you have not always:Viz., in a visible manner, as when conversant here on earth; and as we have the poor, whom we may daily assist and relieve.(Challoner)

(b)26:17 Azymes:Feast of the unleavened bread.(Challoner)

(d)26:22 The word ‘Numquid’ indicates a question that expects a negative answer; but it is still a question. Therefore, each disciple was not saying, ‘It is not I who will betray you,’ nor was each asking for information as to whether they were the one who would betray him, as in ‘Who is it that will betray you; is it me?’ Rather, it is a rhetorical question, but with some doubt, as in: ‘It cannot be me who will betray you, can it?’(Conte)

(e)26:26 This is my body:He does not say, This is the figure of my body--but This is my body. (2 Council of Nice, Act. 6.) Neither does he say in this, or with this is my body; but absolutely, This is my body: which plainly implies transubstantiation.(Challoner)

(f)26:27 Drink ye all of this:This was spoken to the twelve apostles; who were the all then present; and they all drank of it, says St. Mark 14. 23. But it no ways follows from these words spoken to the apostles, that all the faithful are here commanded to drink of the chalice; any more than that all the faithful are commanded to consecrate, offer and administer this sacrament; because Christ upon this same occasion, and at the same time, bid the apostles do so; in these words, St. Luke 22. 19, Do this for a commemoration of me.(Challoner)

(g)26:28 Blood of the new testament:As the old testament was dedicated with the blood of victims, by Moses, in these words: This is the blood of the testament, etc., Heb. 9. 20; so here is the dedication and institution of the new testament, in the blood of Christ, here mystically shed by these words: This is the blood of the new testament, etc.(Challoner)

(h)26:29 Fruit of the vine:These words, by the account of St. Luke 26:22. 18, were not spoken of the sacramental cup, but of the wine that was drunk with the paschal lamb. Though the sacramental cup might also be called the fruit of the vine, because it was consecrated from wine, and retains the likeness, and all the accidents or qualities of wine.(Challoner)

(i)26:31 Scandalized in me, etc:Forasmuch as my being apprehended shall make you all run away and forsake me.(Challoner)

(Mark 14:1–2; Luke 22:1–2; John 11:45–57)

When Jesus had finished all these words, he said to his disciples,

“You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”

Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas.

They took counsel together that they might take Jesus by deceit and kill him.

But they said, “Not during the feast, lest a riot occur among the people.”

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

(Mark 14:3–9; Luke 7:36–50; John 12:1–8)

Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table.

But when his disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?

For this ointment might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”

However, knowing this, Jesus said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? She has done a good work for me.

For you always have the poor with you, but you don’t always have me.

For in pouring this ointment on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.

Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of as a memorial of her.”

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

(Mark 14:10–11; Luke 22:3–6)

Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests

and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him to you?” So they weighed out for him thirty pieces of silver.

From that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Preparing the Passover

(Mark 14:12–16; Luke 22:7–13)

Now on the first day of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying to him, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?”

He said, “Go into the city to a certain person, and tell him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.”’”

The disciples did as Jesus commanded them, and they prepared the Passover.

The Last Supper

(Mark 14:17–26; Luke 22:14–23; 1 Corinthians 11:17–34)

Now when evening had come, he was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples.

As they were eating, he said, “Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me.”

They were exceedingly sorrowful, and each began to ask him, “It isn’t me, is it, Lord?”

He answered, “He who dipped his hand with me in the dish will betray me.

The Son of Man goes even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born.”

Judas, who betrayed him, answered, “It isn’t me, is it, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You said it.”

As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for

(a)

it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”

He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, “All of you drink it,

for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.

But I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”

When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

(Zechariah 13:7–9; Mark 14:27–31; Luke 22:31–38; John 13:36–38)

Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ (b)

But after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.”

But Peter answered him, “Even if all will be made to stumble because of you, I will never be made to stumble.”

Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you that tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”

Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.” All of the disciples also said likewise.

Jesus Prays at Gethsemane

(Mark 14:32–42; Luke 22:39–46)

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go there and pray.”

He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and severely troubled.

Then he said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me.”

He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire.”

He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What, couldn’t you watch with me for one hour?

Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Again, a second time he went away and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cup can’t pass away from me unless I drink it, your desire be done.”

He came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.

He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same words.

Then he came to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Arise, let’s be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand.”

The Betrayal of Jesus

(Mark 14:43–52; Luke 22:47–53; John 18:1–14)

While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Now he who betrayed him had given them a sign, saying, “Whoever I kiss, he is the one. Seize him.”

Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

Jesus said to him, “Friend, why are you here?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

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.

Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword.

Or do you think that I couldn’t ask my Father, and he would even now send me more than twelve legions of angels?

How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so?”

In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I sat daily in the temple teaching, and you didn’t arrest me.

But all this has happened that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Jesus before the Sanhedrin

(Mark 14:53–65; Luke 22:66–71; John 18:19–24)

Those who had taken Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together.

But Peter followed him from a distance to the court of the high priest, and entered in and sat with the officers, to see the end.

Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, that they might put him to death,

and they found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward

and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.’”

The high priest stood up and said to him, “Have you no answer? What is this that these testify against you?”

But Jesus stayed silent. The high priest answered him, “I adjure you by the living God that you tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.”

Jesus said to him, “You have said so. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of the sky.”

Then the high priest tore his clothing, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Behold, now you have heard his blasphemy.

What do you think?” They answered, “He is worthy of death!”

Then they spat in his face and beat him with their fists, and some slapped him,

saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who hit you?”

Peter Denies Jesus

(Mark 14:66–72; Luke 22:54–62; John 18:15–18)

Now Peter was sitting outside in the court, and a maid came to him, saying, “You were also with Jesus, the Galilean!”

But he denied it before them all, saying, “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

When he had gone out onto the porch, someone else saw him and said to those who were there, “This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

Again he denied it with an oath, “I don’t know the man.”

After a little while those who stood by came and said to Peter, “Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes you known.”

Then he began to curse and to swear, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately the rooster crowed.

Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then he went out and wept bitterly.

Footnotes

(a)26:26 TR reads “blessed” instead of “gave thanks for”

(b)26:31 ℘ Zechariah 13:7