Chapter 6: The Garden

After the meal, Jesus led His disciples to a garden called Gethsemane on the slope of the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem. He took Peter, James, and John deeper into the garden and asked them to keep watch while He prayed.

JESUS“My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”— Matthew 26:38

He went a little further into the darkness, fell with His face to the ground, and prayed.

JESUS“O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will. O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”— Matthew 26:39, 42

Three times He returned to find Peter, James, and John asleep. Three times He went back to the ground. When He finally rose, He was not resigned. He was ready. Then the torches appeared through the trees.

Judas arrived leading a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders. He walked straight up to Jesus and greeted Him with a kiss. In that culture a kiss was a sign of honor and affection. Judas used it as a signal to identify which man the soldiers should seize.

Peter did not run. He pulled out a sword and swung it at the high priest's servant, cutting off his ear. Impulsive, fierce, and completely wrong for the moment.

JESUS“Put your sword in its place. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”— John 18:11

Jesus was not asking to be saved. He had come to the garden knowing this moment would arrive, and He was walking into it willingly. He touched the servant's ear and healed him. Then He allowed them to bind His hands and lead Him away.

Every disciple fled into the darkness except Peter. He followed the crowd at a distance to the courtyard of the high priest's house, where Jesus was being held. Another disciple known to the high priest spoke to the servant girl at the door and got Peter inside.

A charcoal fire burned in the center of the courtyard. Servants and guards stood around it keeping warm. Peter sat down among them and waited.