John 18:1-11

International Children’s Bible

Jesus Is Arrested

18 When Jesus finished praying, he left with his followers. They went across the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden of olive trees. Jesus and his followers went there.

² Judas knew where this place was, because Jesus met there often with his followers. Judas was the one who turned against Jesus. ³ So Judas led a group of soldiers to the garden. Judas also brought some guards from the leading priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns, and weapons.

⁴ Jesus knew everything that would happen to him. Jesus went out and asked, “Who is it you are looking for?”

⁵ The men answered, “Jesus from Nazareth.”

Jesus said, “I am Jesus.” (Judas, the one who turned against Jesus, was standing there with them.) ⁶ When Jesus said, “I am Jesus,” the men moved back and fell to the ground.

⁷ Jesus asked them again, “Who is it you are looking for?”

They said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

⁸ Jesus said, “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, then let these other men go.” ⁹ This happened so that the words Jesus said before might come true: “I have not lost any of the men you gave me.”

¹⁰ Simon Peter had a sword. He took out the sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) ¹¹ Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back. Shall I not drink of the cup^[a] the Father has given me?”