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19. "So arise and let us go, for behold, the henchmen are coming."
The Capture
20. While he was still speaking, behold, there came Juda Ihariot, the son of the Pharisee, and with him a large group of chief priests and elders of the people, armed with swords and poles.
21. Juda Ihariot had given them a sign, saying, "Behold, I will flatter him and mislead him into thinking I repent the sins of my life.
22. "As a sign of the false flattery there shall be a kiss. And behold, whomever I kiss, he is the one; seize him."
23. He then stepped up to Jmmanuel and said, "l greet you, Master. I will follow your teachings now, for you are allowing me to repent for what I did during my old life."
24. Then he touched Jmmanuel and gave him the kiss of betrayal.
25. But Jmmanuel said to him, "My friend, why have you come to lie to me when betrayal burns in your mind and in your actions?"
26. The henchmen then came up to Jmmanuel, put their hands on him and seized him.
27. And behold, one of the henchmen from the group thought better, had a quick change of mind, and feeling remorseful, sided with Jmmanuel.
28. He stretched out his hand, drew his sword, and struck a chief priest's servant, cutting off his ear.
29. Then Jmmanuel said to the man, "Put back your sword into its sheath, because anyone taking a sword without being in danger will perish by the sword.
30. "Or do you think that I could not have fled before your group arrived?
31. "But how could I fulfil my destiny had I done so?"
32. And the man turned away and wept, then fled and was never seen again.
33. Thereupon Jmmanuel said to the henchmen, 'You came here with swords and poles to capture me as though I were a murderer.
34. "How easy it would have been for you to capture me in the city as I sat there in the temple, teaching daily, yet you did not seize me.
35. "You hypocrites, you were no doubt afraid of the people; therefore you now come to me like thieves so you can throw me into prison in darkness, out of the sight of the people.
36. "Truly, I say to you, darkness will become light, and everyone will speak of your deed for which you will be denounced for all time to come."
37. But then Simeon, the Pharisee, raised his voice and said, "How foolish your talk is and so full of lies. Why should we fear the people?
38. "You have taught the people falsely, despised our laws and called them lies; so for this you must now suffer.
39. "You thought we would not capture you and bring you to trial, but you were mistaken.