The Triumphal Entry

       As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, JESUS sent two of HIS disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' tell him, 'THE LORD needs it and will send it back here shortly.' "

       They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, "What are you doing, untying that colt?" They answered as JESUS had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to JESUS and threw their cloaks over it, HE sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

       "Hosanna!"

       "Blessed is HE who comes in the name of THE LORD!"

       "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!"

       "Hosanna in the highest!"

       JESUS entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. HE looked around at everything, but since it was already late, HE went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 11, verses 1 - 11

JESUS Clears the Temple

       The next day as they were leaving Bethany, JESUS was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, HE went to find out if it had any fruit. When HE reached it, HE found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then HE said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And HIS disciples heard HIM say it.

       On reaching Jerusalem, JESUS entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. HE overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as HE taught them, HE said, "Is it not written:

       " 'MY house will be called

          a house of prayer for all nations'?

But you have made it 'a den of robbers.' "

       The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill HIM, for they feared HIM, because the whole crowd was amazed at HIS teaching.

       When evening came, they went out of the city.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 11, verses 12 - 19

JESUS Anointed at Bethany

       Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest JESUS and kill HIM. "But not during the Feast," they said, "or the people may riot."

       While HE was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on HIS head.

       Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly.

       "Leave her alone," said JESUS. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to ME. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have ME. She did what she could. She poured perfume on MY body beforehand to prepare for MY burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

       Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray JESUS to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand HIM over.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 14, verses 1 - 11

THE LORD'S Supper

       On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, JESUS' disciples asked HIM, "Where do YOU want us to go and make preparations for YOU to eat the Passover?"

       So HE sent two of HIS disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, 'THE TEACHER asks: Where is MY guest room, where I may eat the Passover with MY disciples?' He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."

       The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as JESUS had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

       When evening came, JESUS arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, HE said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray ME--one who is eating with ME."

       They were saddened, and one by one they said to HIM, "Surely not I?"

       "It is one of the Twelve," HE replied, "one who dips bread into the bowl with ME. THE SON OF MAN will go just as it is written about HIM. But woe to that man who betrays THE SON OF MAN! It would be better for him if he had not been born."

       While they were eating, JESUS took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to HIS disciples, saying, "Take it; this is MY body."

       Then HE took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.

       "This is MY blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," HE said to them. "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of GOD."

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

Gospel of Mark: chapter 14, verses 12 - 26

JESUS Predicts Peter's Denial

     "You will all fall away," JESUS told them, "for it is written:

       " 'I will strike the shepherd,

          and the sheep will be scattered.'

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."

       Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not."

       "I tell you the truth," JESUS answered, "today--yes, tonight--before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown ME three times."

       But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with YOU, I will never disown YOU." And all the others said the same.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 14, verses 27 - 31

Gethsemane

       They went to a place called Gethsemane, and JESUS said to HIS disciples, "Sit here while I pray." HE took Peter, James and John along with HIM, and HE began to be deeply distressed and troubled. "MY soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," HE said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."

       Going a little farther, HE fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from HIM. "ABBA, FATHER," HE said, "everything is possible for YOU. Take this cup from ME. Yet not what I will, but what YOU will."

       Then HE returned to HIS disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," HE said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

       Once more HE went away and prayed the same thing. When HE came back, HE again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to HIM.

       Returning the third time, HE said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, THE SON OF MAN is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes MY betrayer!"

Gospel of Mark: chapter 14, verses 32 - 42

JESUS Arrested

       Just as HE was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.

       Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." Going at once to JESUS, Judas said, "Rabbi!" and kissed HIM. The men seized JESUS and arrested HIM. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

       "Am I leading a rebellion," said JESUS, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture ME? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest ME. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled." Then everyone deserted HIM and fled.

       A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following JESUS. When they seized HIM, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 14, verses 43 - 52

Before the Sanhedrin

       They took JESUS to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together. Peter followed HIM at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.

       The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against JESUS so that they could put HIM to death, but they did not find any. Many testified falsely against HIM, but their statements did not agree.

       Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against HIM: "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this man-made temple and in three days will build another, not made by man.' " Yet even then their testimony did not agree.

       Then the high priest stood up before them and asked JESUS, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" But JESUS remained silent and gave no answer.

       Again the high priest asked HIM, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?"

       "I AM," said JESUS. "And you will see THE SON OF MAN sitting at the right hand of THE MIGHTY ONE and coming on the clouds of heaven."

       The high priest tore his clothes. "Why do we need any more witnesses?" he asked. "You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?"

       They all condemned HIM as worthy of death. Then some began to spit at HIM; they blindfolded HIM, struck HIM with their fists, and said, "Prophesy!" And the guards took HIM and beat HIM.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 14, verses 53 - 65

Peter Disowns JESUS

       While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.

       "You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said.

       But he denied it. "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway.

       When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." Again he denied it.

       After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean."

       He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about."

       Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word JESUS had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown ME three times." And he broke down and wept.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 14, verses 66 - 72

JESUS Before Pilate

       Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound JESUS, led HIM away and handed HIM over to Pilate.

       "Are you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate.

       "Yes, it is as you say," JESUS replied.

       The chief priests accused HIM of many things. So again Pilate asked HIM, "Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of."

       But JESUS still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.

       Now it was the custom at the Feast to release a prisoner whom the people requested. A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.

       "Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate, knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed JESUS over to him. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.

       "What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?" Pilate asked them.

       "Crucify him!" they shouted.

       "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate.

       But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"

       Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had JESUS flogged, and handed HIM over to be crucified.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 15, verses 1 - 15

The Soldiers Mock JESUS

       The soldiers led JESUS away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on HIM, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on HIM. And they began to call out to HIM, "Hail, king of the Jews!" Again and again they struck HIM on the head with a staff and spit on HIM. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to HIM. And when they had mocked HIM, they took off the purple robe and put HIS own clothes on HIM. Then they led HIM out to crucify HIM.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 15, verses 16 - 20

The Crucifixion

       A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. They brought JESUS to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). Then they offered HIM wine mixed with myrrh, but HE did not take it. And they crucified HIM. Dividing up HIS clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.

       It was the third hour when they crucified HIM. The written notice of the charge against HIM read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. They crucified two robbers with HIM, one on HIS right and one on HIS left. Those who passed by hurled insults at HIM, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!"

       In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked HIM among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those crucified with HIM also heaped insults on HIM.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 15, verses 21 - 32

The Death of JESUS

       At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour JESUS cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "MY GOD, MY GOD, why have YOU forsaken ME?"

       When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah."

       One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to JESUS to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said.

       With a loud cry, JESUS breathed HIS last.

       The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of JESUS, heard HIS cry and saw how HE died, he said, "Surely this man was THE SON OF GOD!"

       Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. In Galilee these women had followed HIM and cared for HIS needs. Many other women who had come up with HIM to Jerusalem were also there.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 15, verses 33 - 41.

The Burial of JESUS

       It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of GOD, went boldly to Pilate and asked for JESUS' body. Pilate was surprised to hear that HE was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if JESUS had already died. When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where HE was laid.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 15, verses 42 - 47

The Resurrection

       When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint JESUS' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"

       But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

       "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for JESUS the Nazarene, who was crucified. HE has risen! HE is not here. See the place where they laid HIM. But go, tell HIS disciples and Peter, 'HE is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see HIM, just as HE told you.' "

       Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

       When JESUS rose early on the first day of the week, HE appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom HE had driven seven demons. She went and told those who had been with HIM and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that JESUS was alive and that she had seen HIM, they did not believe it.

       Afterward JESUS appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.

       Later JESUS appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; HE rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen HIM after HE had risen.

       HE said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In MY name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

       After THE LORD JESUS had spoken to them, HE was taken up into heaven and HE sat at the right hand of GOD. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and THE LORD worked with them and confirmed HIS word by the signs that accompanied it.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 16

The Guards' Report

       While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 28, verses 11 - 15

The Resurrection

       After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

       There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of THE LORD came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

       The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for JESUS, who was crucified. HE is not here, HE has risen, just as HE said. Come and see the place where HE lay. Then go quickly and tell HIS disciples: 'HE has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see HIM.' Now I have told you."

       So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell HIS disciples. Suddenly JESUS met them. "Greetings," HE said. They came to HIM, clasped HIS feet and worshiped HIM. Then JESUS said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell MY brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see ME."

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 28, verses 1 - 10

The Guard at the Tomb

       The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first."

       "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 27, verses 62 - 66

The Burial of JESUS

       As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of JESUS. Going to Pilate, he asked for JESUS' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 27, verses 57 - 61

The Death of JESUS

       From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour JESUS cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "MY GOD, MY GOD, why have YOU forsaken ME?"

       When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."

       Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to JESUS to drink. The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."

       And when JESUS had cried out again in a loud voice, HE gave up HIS spirit.

       At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after JESUS' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

       When the centurion and those with him who were guarding JESUS saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely HE was THE SON OF GOD!"

       Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed JESUS from Galilee to care for HIS needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 27, verses 45 - 56

The Crucifixion

       As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). There they offered JESUS wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, HE refused to drink it. When they had crucified HIM, they divided up HIS clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over HIM there. Above HIS head they placed the written charge against HIM: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Two robbers were crucified with HIM, one on HIS right and one on HIS left. Those who passed by hurled insults at HIM, shaking their heads and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"

       In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked HIM. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.' " In the same way the robbers who were crucified with HIM also heaped insults on HIM.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 27, verses 32 - 44

The Soldiers Mock JESUS

       Then the governor's soldiers took JESUS into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around HIM. They stripped HIM and put a scarlet robe on HIM, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on HIS head. They put a staff in HIS right hand and knelt in front of HIM and mocked HIM. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. They spit on HIM, and took the staff and struck HIM on the head again and again. After they had mocked HIM, they took off the robe and put HIS own clothes on HIM. Then they led HIM away to crucify HIM.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 27, verses 27 - 31

JESUS Before Pilate

       Meanwhile JESUS stood before the governor, and the governor asked HIM, "Are you the king of the Jews?"

       "Yes, it is as you say," JESUS replied.

       When HE was accused by the chief priests and the elders, HE gave no answer. Then Pilate asked HIM, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" But JESUS made no reply, not even to a single charge--to the great amazement of the governor.

       Now it was the governor's custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or JESUS who is called CHRIST?" For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed JESUS over to him.

       While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of HIM."

       But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have JESUS executed.

       "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor.

       "Barabbas," they answered.

       "What shall I do, then, with JESUS who is called CHRIST?" Pilate asked.

       They all answered, "Crucify him!"

       "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate.

       But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"

       When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!"

       All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!"

       Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had JESUS flogged, and handed HIM over to be crucified.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 27, verses 11 - 26

Judas Hangs Himself

       Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put JESUS to death. They bound HIM, led HIM away and handed HIM over to Pilate, the governor.

       When Judas, who had betrayed HIM, saw that JESUS was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood."

       "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility."

       So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

       The chief priests picked up the coins and said, "It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money." So they decided to use the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners. That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on HIM by the people of Israel, and they used them to buy the potter's field, as THE LORD commanded me."

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 27, verses 1 - 10

Peter Disowns JESUS

       Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. "You also were with JESUS of Galilee," she said.

       But he denied it before them all. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said.

       Then he went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there, "this fellow was with JESUS of Nazareth."

       He denied it again, with an oath: "I don't know the man!"

       After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, "Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away."

       Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!"

       Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word JESUS had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown ME three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 26, verses 69 - 75

Before the Sanhedrin

       Those who had arrested JESUS took HIM to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. But Peter followed HIM at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.

       The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against JESUS so that they could put HIM to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.

       Finally two came forward and declared, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of GOD and rebuild it in three days.' "

       Then the high priest stood up and said to JESUS, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" But JESUS remained silent.

       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."

       "Yes, it is as you say," JESUS replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see THE SON OF MAN sitting at the right hand of THE MIGHTY ONE and coming on the clouds of heaven."

       Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?"

       "He is worthy of death," they answered.

       Then they spit in HIS face and struck HIM with their fists. Others slapped HIM and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?"

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 26, verses 57 - 68

JESUS Arrested

       While HE was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." Going at once to JESUS, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed HIM.

       JESUS replied, "Friend, do what you came for."

       Then the men stepped forward, seized JESUS and arrested HIM. With that, one of JESUS' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

       "Put your sword back in its place," JESUS said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on MY FATHER, and HE will at once put at MY disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"

       At that time JESUS said to the crowd, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture ME? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest ME. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted HIM and fled.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 26, verses 47 - 56

Gethsemane

       Then JESUS went with HIS disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and HE said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." HE took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with HIM, and HE began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then HE said to them, "MY soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with ME."

       Going a little farther, HE fell with HIS face to the ground and prayed, "MY FATHER, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from ME. Yet not as I will, but as YOU will."

       Then HE returned to HIS disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with ME for one hour?" HE asked Peter. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

       HE went away a second time and prayed, "MY FATHER, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may YOUR will be done."

       When HE came back, HE again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So HE left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

       Then HE returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and THE SON OF MAN is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go! Here comes MY betrayer!"

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 26, verses 36 - 46

JESUS Predicts Peter's Denial

       Then JESUS told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of ME, for it is written:

       " 'I will strike the shepherd,

          and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."

       Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of YOU, I never will."

       "I tell you the truth," JESUS answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown ME three times."

       But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with YOU, I will never disown YOU." And all the other disciples said the same.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 26, verses 31 - 35

THE LORD'S Supper

       On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to JESUS and asked, "Where do YOU want us to make preparations for YOU to eat the Passover?"

       HE replied, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'THE TEACHER says: MY appointed time is near, I AM going to celebrate the Passover with MY disciples at your house.' " So the disciples did as JESUS had directed them and prepared the Passover.

       When evening came, JESUS was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, HE said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray ME."

       They were very sad and began to say to HIM one after the other, "Surely not I, LORD?"

       JESUS replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with ME will betray ME. THE SON OF MAN will go just as it is written about HIM. But woe to that man who betrays THE SON OF MAN! It would be better for him if he had not been born."

       Then Judas, the one who would betray HIM, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?"

       JESUS answered, "Yes, it is you."

       While they were eating, JESUS took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to HIS disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is MY body."

       Then HE took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is MY blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, 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.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 26, verses 17 - 30

Judas Agrees to Betray JESUS

       Then one of the twelve--the one called Judas Iscariot--went to the chief priests and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand HIM over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand HIM over.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 26, verses 14 - 16

JESUS Anointed at Bethany

       While JESUS was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to HIM with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on HIS head as HE was reclining at the table.

       When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."

       Aware of this, JESUS said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to ME. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have ME. When she poured this perfume on MY body, she did it to prepare ME for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 26, verses 6 - 13

The Plot Against JESUS

       When JESUS had finished saying all these things, HE said to HIS disciples, "As you know, the Passover is two days away--and THE SON OF MAN will be handed over to be crucified."

       Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they plotted to arrest JESUS in some sly way and kill HIM. "But not during the Feast," they said, "or there may be a riot among the people."

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 26, verses 1 - 5

JESUS at the Temple

       JESUS entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. HE overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. "It is written," HE said to them, " 'MY house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a 'den of robbers.' "

       The blind and the lame came to HIM at the temple, and HE healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things HE did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to THE SON OF DAVID," they were indignant.

       "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked HIM.

       "Yes," replied JESUS, "have you never read,

       " 'From the lips of children and infants

          you have ordained praise'?"

       And HE left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where HE spent the night.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 21, verses 12 - 17

The Triumphal Entry

       As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, JESUS sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to ME. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that THE LORD needs them, and he will send them right away."

       This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

       "Say to the Daughter of Zion,

          'See, your king comes to you,

       gentle and riding on a donkey,

          on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' "

       The disciples went and did as JESUS had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and JESUS sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of HIM and those that followed shouted,

       "Hosanna to THE SON OF DAVID!"

       "Blessed is HE who comes in the name of THE LORD!"

       "Hosanna in the highest!"

       When JESUS entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?"

       The crowds answered, "This is JESUS, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 21, verses 1 - 11