The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
1 When He had said this, Jesus set out with His disciples across the brook of the Kedron, the Ravine of Cedars. There was a garden there, which He entered with His disciples. 2 But Judas, who was betraying Him, also knew the spot, for Jesus and His disciples often had been there together. 3 So Judas, taking a company of soldiers and officers sent by the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with torches and lanterns and weapons.
4 Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to Him, went out and asked them, "For whom are you looking?" 5 "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. Jesus answered, "I am He." Judas, who had betrayed Him, was also with them.
6 But when He said to them, "I am He," they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7 He therefore asked again, "For whom are you looking?" And again they replied, "Jesus of Nazareth." 8 Jesus answered, "I told you that I am He. So, if you are looking for Me, let these men go their way." 9 This was so that His previous words might be fulfilled as He had spoken, "Of those whom You gave Me, I have lost not one."
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his ear. The servant's name was Malchus. 11 Then Jesus called out to Peter, "Put your sword back into its sheath! Shall I not drink the cup which the Father gave Me?"
Jesus Brought Before the High Priest
12 Then the company of soldiers, with their captain and Jewish underlings, arrested Jesus and bound Him. 13 They took him first to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest for that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that "it would be best if one man should die for the sake of the people."
Peter Denies His Lord
15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did also another disciple. This disciple was known to the high priest, so he went with Jesus into the high priest's court. 16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doormaid and brought Peter inside.
17 The doormaid therefore said to Peter, "Aren't you one of this man's disciples?" He said, "I am not!" 18 Now the servants had made a charcoal fire, for it was cold, and they were warming themselves. Peter, too, was standing there to warm himself.
19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about His disciples, and about His teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, to which places the Jews go at all times. I have spoken nothing in secret. 21 Why are you questioning Me? Ask those who have heard what I said to them. They surely know what I have said."
22 At this remark, one of the officers by His side gave Him a slap with the palm of his hand, and said. "What! Is that the way to answer the high priest?" 23 "If I have said anything wrong," said Jesus, "then prove it. But if I spoke rightly, then why do you strike Me?" 24 Then Annas sent Him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.
25 While Simon Peter was standing there warming himself by the fire, they said to him, "But, aren't you one of his disciples?" He made denial, saying, "I am not!" 26 One of the high priest's servants, a kinsman of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, "Didn't I see you in the garden with him?" 27 Once more Peter made denial - and immediately the rooster crowed!
Jesus Before Pilate
28 Next, they marched Jesus to the governor's palace. It was still early morning. They did not enter the palace, however, so that they might eat the Passover without being defiled. 29 Therefore Pilate came out to them and asked, "What have you to say against this man?" 30 They answered and said to him, "If he were not an evil-doer, we would never have brought him to you."
31 Then Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law." "No," said the Jews, "we are not permitted to put anyone to death." 32 In saying this, they showed the truth of the words Jesus had used in foretelling the sort of death He was about to die.
33 Pilate then went back into his palace. He sent for Jesus and said to Him, "You, sir, are you the King of the Jews?" 34 Jesus answered him, "Do you say this on your own, or did others tell you this about Me?" 35 "Am I a Jew?" retorted Pilate. "No, your own people and the chief priests have given you into my hands. What have you done?"
36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My followers would fight so that I would not be turned over to the Jews. No, My kingdom is not an earthly one." 37 "Then you are a King?" asked Pilate. "I am, as you say, a King," answered Jesus. "For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Every friend of the truth listens to My voice."
Barabbas Is Released
38 "Truth - " exclaimed Pilate - "What is truth?" With this remark Pilate went out again to the Jews and reported, "I find no guilt at all in him! 39 But you have a custom that I should set someone free at the Passover. Is it your wish that I set free the King of the Jews?" 40 "No, no!" they shouted back at him, "Not this fellow, but Barabbas!" And Barabbas was a robber.