Matthew 26:34-75

Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial

34 j Jesus said to him, "Truly, I tell you, this very night, k before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." 35 l Peter said to him, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!" And all the disciples said the same.

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

36 m Then Jesus went with them e to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go over there and pray." 37 And taking with him n Peter and o the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, p "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and q watch 1 with me." 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face r and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let s this cup pass from me; t nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, "So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 q Watch and u pray that you v may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, w your will be done." 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for x their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for y the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, "Sleep and take your rest later on. 2 See, z the hour is at hand, and a the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand."

Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

47 b While he was still speaking, c Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; seize him." 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Greetings, d Rabbi!" And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, e "Friend, f do what you came to do." 3 Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his g sword and struck the servant 4 of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place. For h all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 i Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me j more than twelve k legions of angels? 54 l But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?" 55 At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day m I sat in the temple n teaching, and you did not seize me. 56 But l all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." o Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council

57 p Then q those who had seized Jesus led him to r Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58 And s Peter was following him at a distance, as far as r the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with t the guards to see the end. 59 Now the chief priests and the whole Council 5 u were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60 but they found none, v though many false witnesses came forward. At last w two came forward 61 and said, "This man said, x 'I am able to y destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.'" 62 And the high priest stood up and said, "Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?" 6 63 z But Jesus remained silent. a And the high priest said to him, b "I adjure you by c the living God, d tell us if you are e the Christ, f the Son of God." 64 Jesus said to him, g "You have said so. But I tell you, from now on h you will see the Son of Man i seated at the right hand of Power and h coming on the clouds of heaven." 65 Then the high priest j tore his robes and said, k "He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your judgment?" They answered, l "He deserves death." 67 Then m they spit in his face n and o struck him. And some slapped him, 68 saying, "Prophesy to us, you p Christ! Who is it that struck you?"

Peter Denies Jesus

69 q Now Peter was sitting outside r in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean." 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you mean." 71 And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus s of Nazareth." 72 And again he denied it with an oath: "I do not know the man." 73 After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you too are one of them, for t your accent betrays you." 74 Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, u "Before the rooster crows, you will v deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.

  1. Cross References
    Luke 22:34
    Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.
    John 13:38
    Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.
  2. Cross References
    Matthew 26:75
    And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.
  3. Cross References
    Luke 22:33
    Peter said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.
    John 13:37
    Peter said to him, "Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.
  4. Cross References
    Matthew 26:36 - 46
    Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go over there and pray.
    Mark 14:32 - 42
    And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray.
    Luke 22:40 - 46
    And when he came to the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation.
  5. Cross References
    Matthew 26:30
    And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
  6. Cross References
    Matthew 26:36 - 46
    Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go over there and pray.
    Mark 14:32 - 42
    And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray.
    Luke 22:39 - 46
    And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.
  7. Cross References
    Matthew 17:1
    And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
  8. Cross References
    Matthew 4:21
    And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.
  9. Cross References
    Psalms 42:5 - 6
    Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation
    John 12:27
    Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.
  10. Cross References
    Matthew 24:42
    Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
  11. Cross References
    Hebrews 5:7
    In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.
  12. Cross References
    Matthew 20:22
    Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able.
  13. Cross References
    Matthew 26:42
    Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.
    John 5:30
    I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.
    John 6:38
    For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.
    Philippians 2:8
    And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
  14. Cross References
    Matthew 26:38
    Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.
  15. Cross References
    1 Peter 4:7
    The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
  16. Cross References
    Matthew 6:13
    And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
  17. Cross References
    Matthew 26:39
    And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.
    Matthew 6:10
    Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
  18. Cross References
    Luke 9:32
    Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.
  19. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 12:8
    Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.
  20. Cross References
    John 12:23
    And Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for...
    John 12:27
    Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ...
    John 13:1
    Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesu...
    John 17:1
    When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up...
    Matthew 26:18
    He said, "Go into the city to a certain man and...
    Luke 22:53
    When I was with you day after day in the temple...
  21. Cross References
    Matthew 17:22
    As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.
    Matthew 20:18
    See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death
  22. Cross References
    Matthew 26:47 - 56
    While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people.
    Mark 14:43 - 50
    And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
    Luke 22:47 - 53
    While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him.
    John 18:3 - 11
    So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.
  23. Cross References
    Matthew 26:14
    Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
    Acts 1:16
    Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.
  24. Cross References
    Matthew 26:47 - 56
    While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people.
    Mark 14:43 - 50
    And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
    Luke 22:47 - 53
    While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him.
    John 18:3 - 11
    So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.
  25. Cross References
    Matthew 26:25
    Judas, who would betray him, answered, "Is it I, Rabbi?" He said to him, "You have said so.
  26. Cross References
    Matthew 20:13
    But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?
    Matthew 22:12
    And he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.
  27. Cross References
    John 13:27
    Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly.
  28. Cross References
    Luke 22:38
    And they said, "Look, Lord, here are two swords." And he said to them, "It is enough.
  29. Cross References
    Revelation 13:10
    If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
    Genesis 9:6
    Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.
    Ezekiel 35:6
    Therefore, as I live, declares the Lord God, I will prepare you for blood, and blood shall pursue you; because you did not hate bloodshed, therefore blood shall pursue you.
  30. Cross References
    John 10:18
    No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.
  31. Cross References
    Matthew 4:11
    Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
    2 Kings 6:17
    Then Elisha prayed and said, "O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see." So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
    Daniel 7:10
    A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.
    Luke 22:43
    And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.
    John 18:36
    Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.
  32. Cross References
    Luke 8:30
    Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion," for many demons had entered him.
  33. Cross References
    Matthew 26:24
    The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.
    Matthew 1:22
    All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
  34. Cross References
    John 8:2
    Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them.
    Luke 2:46
    After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
    John 18:20
    Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret.
  35. Cross References
    Matthew 21:23
    And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?
    Matthew 4:23
    And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.
  36. Cross References
    Matthew 26:54
    But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?
  37. Cross References
    Matthew 26:31
    Then Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.
    Psalms 88:8
    You have caused my companions to shun me; you have made me a horror to them. I am shut in so that I cannot escape.
    Psalms 88:18
    You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me; my companions have become darkness.
    John 16:32
    Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.
  38. Cross References
    Luke 22:54
    Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance.
  39. Cross References
    Matthew 26:57 - 68
    Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered.
    Mark 14:53 - 65
    And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together.
    John 18:12 - 13
    So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him.
    John 18:19 - 24
    The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
  40. Cross References
    Matthew 26:3
    Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas.
  41. Cross References
    Matthew 26:57 - 68
    Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered.
    Mark 14:53 - 65
    And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together.
  42. Cross References
    John 18:15
    Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the court of the high priest.
  43. Cross References
    Matthew 26:57
    Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered.
  44. Cross References
    John 7:32
    The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest him.
    John 18:3
    So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.
  45. Cross References
    Acts 6:11
    Then they secretly instigated men who said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.
  46. Cross References
    Psalms 27:12
    Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.
    Psalms 35:11
    Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know.
  47. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 19:15
    A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.
  48. Cross References
    Acts 6:14
    For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.
    John 2:19
    Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
  49. Cross References
    Matthew 27:40
    And saying, "You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.
  50. Cross References
    Matthew 27:12
    But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer.
    Matthew 27:14
    But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.
    Isaiah 53:7
    He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
    John 19:9
    He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer.
  51. Cross References
    Matthew 26:63 - 66
    But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, "I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.
    Luke 22:67 - 71
    If you are the Christ, tell us." But he said to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe.
  52. Cross References
    Leviticus 5:1
    If anyone sins in that he hears a public adjuration to testify, and though he is a witness, whether he has seen or come to know the matter, yet does not speak, he shall bear his iniquity.
    1 Samuel 14:24
    And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, so Saul had laid an oath on the people, saying, "Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies." So none of the people had tasted food.
    1 Samuel 14:26
    And when the people entered the forest, behold, the honey was dropping, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath.
    Mark 5:7
    And crying out with a loud voice, he said, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.
  53. Cross References
    Matthew 16:16
    Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
  54. Cross References
    John 10:24
    So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.
  55. Cross References
    Matthew 22:42 - 45
    Saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" They said to him, "The son of David.
    Matthew 1:17
    So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.
  56. Cross References
    Matthew 14:33
    And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God.
  57. Cross References
    Matthew 26:25
    Judas, who would betray him, answered, "Is it I, Rabbi?" He said to him, "You have said so.
  58. Cross References
    Matthew 16:27
    For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.
    Matthew 24:30
    Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
  59. Cross References
    Matthew 16:27
    For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.
    Matthew 24:30
    Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
  60. Cross References
    Psalms 110:1
    The Lord says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.
    Hebrews 1:3
    He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
    Mark 16:19
    So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
  61. Cross References
    Numbers 14:6
    And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes
    Acts 14:14
    But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out.
  62. Cross References
    Matthew 9:3
    And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming.
    John 10:36
    Do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'?
  63. Cross References
    Leviticus 24:16
    Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.
  64. Cross References
    Matthew 27:30
    And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head.
    Isaiah 50:6
    I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.
    Mark 10:34
    And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.
  65. Cross References
    Luke 22:63 - 65
    Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him.
    John 18:22
    When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?
  66. Cross References
    Matthew 5:39
    But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
    Acts 23:2
    And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.
  67. Cross References
    Matthew 26:63
    But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, "I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.
  68. Cross References
    Matthew 26:69 - 75
    Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean.
    Mark 14:66 - 72
    And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came.
    Luke 22:55 - 62
    And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them.
    John 18:16 - 18
    But Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in.
    John 18:25 - 27
    Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, "You also are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not.
  69. Cross References
    Matthew 26:3
    Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas.
  70. Cross References
    Matthew 26:69 - 75
    Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean.
    Mark 14:66 - 72
    And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came.
    Luke 22:55 - 62
    And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them.
    John 18:16 - 18
    But Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in.
    John 18:25 - 27
    Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, "You also are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not.
  71. Cross References
    Matthew 2:23
    And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled: "He shall be called a Nazarene.
  72. Cross References
    Judges 12:6
    They said to him, "Then say Shibboleth," and he said, "Sibboleth," for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slaughtered him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time 42,000 of the Ephraimites fell.
  73. Cross References
    Matthew 26:34
    Jesus said to him, "Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.
  74. Cross References
    Acts 3:13 - 14
    The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.