New Testament in a Year

18 When Jesus finished praying, He began a brief journey with His disciples to the other side of the Kidron Valley, a deep ravine that floods in the winter rains, then farther on to a garden where He gathered His disciples.

^2-3 Judas Iscariot (who had already set his betrayal in motion and knew that Jesus often met with the disciples in this olive grove) entered the garden with an entourage of Roman soldiers and officials sent by the chief priests and Pharisees. They brandished their weapons under the light of torches and lamps. ⁴ Jesus stepped forward. It was clear He was not surprised because He knew all things.

Judas, the betrayer, stood with the military force. ⁶ As Jesus spoke “I am the One,” the forces fell back on the ground. ⁷ Jesus asked them a second time:

⁹ This happened to fulfill the promise He made that none of those entrusted to Him will be lost.^{[a] 10} Suddenly Peter lunged toward Malchus, one of the high priest’s servants; and with his sword, Peter severed the man’s right ear.

¹² So the Roman commander, soldiers, and Jewish officials arrested Jesus, cuffed His hands and feet, ¹³ and brought Him to Annas (the father-in-law of Caiaphas the high priest). ¹⁴ You may remember that Caiaphas counseled the Jews that one should die for all people. ^15-16 Simon Peter and another disciple followed behind Jesus. When they arrived, Peter waited in the doorway while the other disciple was granted access because of his relationship with the high priest. That disciple spoke to the woman at the door, and Peter was allowed inside.

¹⁸ All the servants and officers gathered around a charcoal fire to keep warm. It was a cold day, and Peter made his way into the circle to warm himself.