Mark 14:27-52

New International Reader's Version

Jesus Says That the Disciples Will Turn Away

²⁷ “You will all turn away,” Jesus told the disciples. “It is written,

²⁸ But after I rise from the dead, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

²⁹ Peter said, “All the others may turn away. But I will not.”

³⁰ “What I’m about to tell you is true,” Jesus answered. “It will happen today, in fact tonight. Before the rooster crows twice, you yourself will say three times that you don’t know me.”

³¹ But Peter would not give in. He said, “I may have to die with you. But I will never say I don’t know you.” And all the others said the same thing.

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

³² Jesus and his disciples went to a place called Gethsemane. Jesus said to them, “Sit here while I pray.” ³³ He took Peter, James and John along with him. He began to be very upset and troubled. ³⁴ “My soul is very sad. I feel close to death,” he said to them. “Stay here. Keep watch.”

³⁵ He went a little farther. Then he fell to the ground. He prayed that, if possible, the hour might pass by him. ³⁶ “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup of suffering away from me. But let what you want be done, not what I want.”

³⁷ Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? ³⁸ Watch and pray. Then you won’t fall into sin when you are tempted. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

³⁹ Once more Jesus went away and prayed the same thing. ⁴⁰ Then he came back. Again he found them sleeping. They couldn’t keep their eyes open. They did not know what to say to him.

⁴¹ Jesus returned the third time. He said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look! The Son of Man is about to be handed over to sinners. ⁴² Get up! Let us go! Here comes the one who is handing me over to them!”

Jesus Is Arrested

⁴³ Just as Jesus was speaking, Judas appeared. He was one of the 12 disciples. A crowd was with him. They were carrying swords and clubs. The chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders had sent them.

⁴⁴ Judas, who was going to hand Jesus over, had arranged a signal with them. “The one I kiss is the man,” he said. “Arrest him and have the guards lead him away.” ⁴⁵ So Judas went to Jesus at once. Judas said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed Jesus. ⁴⁶ The men grabbed Jesus and arrested him. ⁴⁷ Then one of those standing nearby pulled his sword out. He struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.

⁴⁸ “Am I leading a band of armed men against you?” asked Jesus. “Do you have to come out with swords and clubs to capture me? ⁴⁹ Every day I was with you. I taught in the temple courtyard, and you didn’t arrest me. But the Scriptures must come true.” ⁵⁰ Then everyone left him and ran away.

⁵¹ A young man was following Jesus. The man was wearing nothing but a piece of linen cloth. When the crowd grabbed him, ⁵² he ran away naked. He left his clothing behind.