Matthew 26:45-56

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on Matthew 26:45-56

45Then He returned to the disciples and said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
46Rise, let us go! See, My betrayer is approaching!”
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.
— Matthew 26:45-56

Related Resources from Heartlight

Not a Victim
Illustration of Matthew 26:50-54 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 26:50-54 NLT -- Jesus answered, "Friend, do the thing you came to do." Then the men came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him. When that happened, one of the followers with Jesus grabbed his sword and pulled it out. This follower hit the servant of the high priest with the sword and cut off his ear. Jesus said to the man, "Put your sword back in its place. People that use swords will be killed with swords. Surely you know I could ask my Father and he would give me more than twelve armies of angels. But this thing must happen this way so that it will be like the Scriptures said."

With a Kiss!
Illustration of Matthew 26:47-50 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 26:47-50 NLT -- While Jesus was still speaking, Judas came there. Judas was one of the twelve followers. Judas had many people with him. These people were sent from the leading priests and the older leaders of the people. These people with Judas had swords and clubs. Judas planned to do something to show the people which man was Jesus. Judas said, "The man I kiss is Jesus. Arrest him." So Judas went to Jesus and said, "Hello, teacher!" Then Judas kissed Jesus. Jesus answered, "Friend, do the thing you came to do." Then the men came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him.

God Can Use Angels to Protect You
Illustration of Matthew 26:52-53 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 26:52-53 NLT -- 'Put away your sword,' Jesus told him. 'Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly?'

The Prophets Frame It All
Illustration of Matthew 26:55-56 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 26:55-56 NLT -- Then Jesus said to all the people, "You came to get me with swords and clubs like I am a criminal. Every day I sat in the temple area teaching. You did not arrest me there. But all these things have happened so that it will be like the prophets wrote." Then all of Jesus' followers left him and ran away.

We Must Go
Illustration of Matthew 26:45-46 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 26:45-46 NLT -- Then Jesus went back to the followers and said, "You are still sleeping and resting? The time has come for the Son of Man to be given to sinful people. Stand up! We must go. Here comes the man that is giving me {to my enemies}."

Cross References for Matthew 26:45-56

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a modern, clear, and faithful translation based on the best available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ideal for reading, study, and sharing, it entered the public domain in 2023. For more information, visit berean.bible.