¶ The feast of sweet bread drew nye which is called ester, and the high priests, and scribes sought how to kill Iesus, but they feared the people. Then entered Satan into Iudas, whose sur name was Iscariot (which was of the number of the twelve) and he went his way, and communed with the high priests and officers, how he would betray him to them. And they were glad: and promised to give him money. And he consented, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them, when the people were away.
¶ Then came the day of sweet bread, when of necessity the ester lamb must be offered. And he sent Peter, and Ihon saying: Go and prepare us the ester lamb, that we may eat. They said to him. Where wilt thou, that we prepare? And he said unto them. Behold as ye enter into the city, there shall a man meet you bearing a pitcher of water, him follow into the same house that he entereth in, and ye shall say unto the good man of the house. The master sayeth: Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat mine ester lamb with my disciples? And he shall shew you a great parlour paved. There make ready. They went and found, as he had said unto them: and made ready the ester lamb.
¶ And when the hour came, he sat down and the twelve Apostles with him. And he said unto them: I have inwardly desired to eat this ester lamb with you before that I suffer. For I say unto you: henceforth, I will not eat of it any more, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said: Receive this, and divide it among you. For I say unto you: I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God be come.
¶ And he took bread, gave thanks, and brake it, and gave it unto them, saying: This is my body which is given for you. This do in the remembrance of me. Likewise also, when they had supped, he took the cup saying: This is the cup, the new testament, in my blood, which shall for you be shed.
¶ Yet behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me, is with me on the table. And the son of man goeth as it is appointed: But woe be to that man by whom he is betrayed. And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it should be, that should do that.
¶ And there was a strife among them, which of them should seem greatest. And he said unto them: The kings of the gentiles reign over them, And they that bear rule over them, are called gracious lords. But ye shall not be so. But he that is greatest among you, shall be as the youngest: And he that is chief, shall be as the minister. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat: or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at meat? And I am among you, as he that ministereth. Ye are they which have bidden with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my father hath appointed to me: that ye may eat, and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on seats, and judge the twelve tribes of Israell. And the Lord said: Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired you, to sift you, as it were wheat: But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not. And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him. Lord, I am ready to go with thee into prison, and to death. And he said: I tell thee Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, till thou have thrice denied that thou knewest me.
¶ And he said unto them: when I sent you without wallet, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, nothing. And he said to them: But now he that hath a wallet let him take it, and likewise his scrip. And he that hath no sword, let him sell his coat and buy one. I say unto you that yet, that which is written must be performed in me (Even with the wicked was he numbered) for those things which are written of me have an end. And they said: Lord, behold here are two swords. And he said unto them: it is enough.
¶ And he came out, and went as he was wont to mount Olivete. And the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them: Pray lest ye fall into temptation.
¶ And he gat himself from them, about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, saying: Father if thou wilt, withdraw this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, But thine be fulfilled. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, comforting him. And he was in agony, and prayed somewhat longer. And his sweat was like drops of blood, trickling down to the ground. And he rose up from prayer, and came to his disciples, and found them sleeping for sorrow, and said unto them: Why sleep ye? Rise, and pray lest ye fall into temptation.
¶ While he yet spake: behold, there came a company, and he that was called Iudas, one of the twelve, went before them, and pressed nye unto Iesus to kiss him. Iesus said unto him: Iudas betrayest thou the son of man with a kiss? When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him. Lord, shall we smite with a sword. And one of them smote a servant of him which was the chief priest of all, and smote off his right ear. Iesus answered and said: Suffer ye thus far forth. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
¶ Iesus said unto the high priests and rulers of the temple and the seniors which were come to him. Be ye come out, as unto a thief with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched not forth hands against me. But this is even your very hour, and the power of darkness. Then took they him, and led him, and brought him to the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
¶ When they had kindled a fire in the midst of the palace, and were set down together, Peter also sat down among them. And one of the wenches, as he sat, beheld him by the light and set good eyesight on him, and said: This same was also with him. Then he denied him saying: Woman I know him not. And after a little while, another saw him and said: Thou art also of them. And Peter said: Man I am not. And about the space of an hour after another affirmed saying: Verily even this fellow was with him, for he is of Galile, Peter said: Man I wot not what thou sayest. And immediately while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned back and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the words of the Lord, how he said unto him, before the cock crow thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
¶ And the men that stood about Iesus, mocked him, and smote him, and blindfolded him, and smote his face. And asked him saying: Arede who it is that smote thee? And many other things despitefully said they against him.
¶ And as soon as it was day, the seniors of the people, and the high priests and scribes, came together, and led him into their council saying: Art thou very Christ? tell us. And he said unto them: if I shall tell you, ye will not believe. And if also I ask you, ye will not answer me. Neither let me go. Hereafter shall the son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all: Art thou then the son of God? He said: Ye say that I am. Then said they: What need we any further witness? We ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
© Faith of God
William Tyndale 1526