John 18:1-11

New International Reader's Version

Jesus Is Arrested

18 When Jesus had finished praying, he left with his disciples. They crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden. Jesus and his disciples went into it.

² Judas knew the place. He was going to hand Jesus over to his enemies. Jesus had often met in that place with his disciples. ³ So Judas came to the garden. He was guiding a group of soldiers and some officials. The chief priests and the Pharisees had sent them. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

⁴ Jesus knew everything that was going to happen to him. So he went out and asked them, “Who do you want?”

⁵ “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.

“I am he,” Jesus said. Judas, who was going to hand Jesus over, was standing there with them. ⁶ When Jesus said, “I am he,” they moved back. Then they fell to the ground.

⁷ He asked them again, “Who do you want?”

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.

⁸ Jesus answered, “I told you I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” ⁹ This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken would come true. He had said, “I have not lost anyone God has given me.” (John 6:39)

¹⁰ Simon Peter had a sword and pulled it out. He struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus.

¹¹ Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shouldn’t I drink the cup of suffering the Father has given me?”