Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Kidron. They entered a garden where Jesus often went with his followers. Judas, who had betrayed him, knew the location because he had been there many times before.

Judas led a group of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees to the garden. They came with lanterns, torches, and weapons, hoping to catch Jesus off guard. Jesus, however, was aware of what was about to happen and went out to them, asking, "Whom are you looking for?" They replied, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said, "I am he," and Judas stood among them.

As soon as Jesus declared himself, the officers fell backward and hit the ground. Jesus asked them again, "Whom are you seeking?" They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." He told them, "I have already said that I am he; if you want to find me, let these men go."

Jesus wanted to fulfill his own words: not one of those whom the Father had given him would be lost. Then Peter drew his sword and cut off Malchus's right ear. The servant was a high priest's attendant.

Jesus told Peter, "Put your sword back in its place; am I not going to drink the cup that my Father has prepared for me?" The officers took Jesus into custody, binding him. They led him away to Annas first because he was related to Caiaphas, who was high priest at the time.

Caiaphas had advised the Jews that it would be beneficial for one person to die in place of many. Meanwhile, Simon Peter followed Jesus from a distance, accompanied by another disciple who was known to the high priest. This other disciple entered the palace with them.

As they stood outside, the young woman guarding the entrance asked Peter, "Aren't you one of this man's followers?" He denied it, saying, "I'm not." The servants and officers warmed themselves near a fire, and Peter joined them to get warm. The high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and teaching.

Jesus replied, "I have spoken openly in public; I taught in synagogues and the temple where all the Jews gather, and my teachings were never secret. Why are you asking me? Ask those who have been listening to me; they can tell you what I said." One of the officers nearby struck Jesus on the cheek, saying, "How dare you speak to the high priest like that?"

Jesus responded, "If I spoke falsely, testify against me. But if my words were true, why do you strike me?" Annas had sent Jesus bound to Caiaphas, the high priest.

Simon Peter stood near the fire and was questioned by those present: "Aren't you one of this man's followers?" He denied it again, saying, "I'm not." One of the high priest's servants who had seen Peter cut off Malchus's ear confronted him, "Didn't I see you in the garden with him?"

Peter denied it once more. As he did so, a rooster began to crow.

They took Jesus from Caiaphas to the judgment hall, where they wanted to interrogate him while still ritually clean and able to eat the Passover meal. Pilate came out to them and asked, "What charges do you bring against this man?"

The Jews replied, "If he were innocent, we would not have handed him over to you." Pilate responded, "Take him and judge him according to your law." The Jews said, "It is not lawful for us to execute anyone."

This was so that Jesus' words could be fulfilled, indicating the kind of death he would die. Pilate entered the judgment hall again and called Jesus before him, asking if he were the King of the Jews.

Jesus inquired, "Are you saying this on your own initiative or has someone else told you about me?" Pilate replied, "Am I a Jew? Your own people and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What is it that you've done?"

Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now, my kingdom does not originate from here." Pilate asked him, "What is truth?" After saying this, he left and told the Jews, "I find no fault in him at all."

"You have a custom that I should release one prisoner to you at Passover," said Pilate. "Which one would you like me to release: the King of the Jews or Barabbas, a notorious robber?" All the crowd cried out again, "Not this man but Barabbas!"