Jesus Prays in Gethsemane and Is Arrested

Jesus went out with his disciples to the Mount of Olives, to a place called Gethsemane. John says it was a garden where Jesus often met with them. He told the disciples to stay there and pray, and he took Peter, James, and John farther with him. Jesus was deeply troubled and full of sorrow.

A little distance away, Jesus knelt and prayed to the Father. He asked whether this cup might pass from him, yet he chose the Father's will above his own. Luke says an angel strengthened him, and in great agony he prayed even more earnestly.

Jesus returned and found the disciples asleep. He warned them to watch and pray so they would not enter into temptation. Their spirit was willing, but their flesh was weak. He prayed again and again, and again found them sleeping, their eyes heavy.

While Jesus was still speaking, Judas arrived, leading a crowd with swords and clubs. The crowd was connected with the chief priests, elders, and scribes, and John also mentions soldiers and officers. Judas came near Jesus with the arranged sign of a kiss.

John adds that Jesus stepped forward, knowing what was about to happen, and asked whom they were seeking. When they answered, "Jesus of Nazareth," he identified himself, and they drew back and fell to the ground. He asked again and said that his disciples should be allowed to go.

When the moment turned violent, Simon Peter drew a sword and cut off the right ear of the high priest's servant, whose name was Malchus. Jesus told Peter to put the sword away, and Luke says Jesus healed the servant's ear. Then they seized and bound Jesus. The disciples fled, and he was led away first to Annas.