New Testament in a Year

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?”

¹² Then the group of soldiers, their commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They tied him up ¹³ and brought him first to Annas. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest at that time. ¹⁴ Caiaphas had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.

Peter Says He Is Not Jesus’ Disciple

¹⁵ Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. The high priest knew the other disciple. So that disciple went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard. ¹⁶ But Peter had to wait outside by the door. The other disciple came back. He was the one the high priest knew. He spoke to the servant woman who was on duty there. Then he brought Peter in.

¹⁷ She asked Peter, “You aren’t one of Jesus’ disciples too, are you?”

“I am not,” he replied.

¹⁸ It was cold. The slaves and officials stood around a fire. They had made it to keep warm. Peter was also standing with them. He was warming himself.