Event 25 – Jesus’ Betray, Arrest, and Abandonment
Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-52, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:2-12a
- The Garden of Gethsemane; Friday, After Midnight
J Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples, So Judas L one of the Twelve, J came to the grove, L leading M a large crowd J of soldiers and some officials K sent from the chief priest, the teachers of the law, and the J Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
K Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, M “Greetings, K Rabbi!” and kissed him.
J Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
“I told you that I am he,” Jesus answered. “If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)
L Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” M “Friend, do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, K seized Jesus and arrested him.
When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with or swords?” And J Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
Jesus commanded Peter, L “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. M “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
L Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords K and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not L lay a hand on me. But this is your hour – – when darkness reigns. M This has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.”
J Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. M Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. K A young man wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.