Jesus Prays in Gethsemane and Is Arrested
(Matthew 26:36-56)

Jesus and His disciples walked through the dark, quiet streets of Jerusalem. They crossed the Kidron Valley and climbed the Mount of Olives until they reached a garden called Gethsemane. Olive trees stood all around them, their branches twisting in the moonlight. Jesus told most of the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” Then He took Peter, James, and John a little farther into the garden.

Something was different about Jesus that night. His face grew deeply sad, and His heart felt heavy with sorrow. He said to the three, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” Then He went a few steps away, fell to the ground with His face toward the dirt, and prayed.

“My Father,” Jesus cried out, “if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” He was talking about the terrible suffering He was about to face—the cross—and He was asking if there was any other way. But even in His pain, He trusted God completely.

When Jesus returned to the three disciples, He found them fast asleep. He looked at Peter and said, “Could you not keep watch with Me for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Jesus walked away a second time and prayed the same words: “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done.” When He came back, the disciples were sleeping again. Their eyes were so heavy they could hardly stay awake. A third time Jesus went off alone to pray, and a third time He returned to find them resting. This time He woke them and said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come. The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go. Here comes My betrayer!”

While Jesus was still speaking, Judas—one of His own twelve disciples—arrived. A large crowd marched behind him, carrying swords and clubs. They had been sent by the chief priests and religious leaders. Judas had made a secret signal. He said, “The One I kiss is the Man; arrest Him.” Straightaway Judas walked up to Jesus, saying, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. Jesus looked at Judas and replied, “Friend, do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, grabbed Jesus, and arrested Him.

Peter saw what was happening and became furious. He pulled out a sword and struck the servant of the high priest, slicing off his ear. Jesus immediately spoke to Peter: “Put your sword back in its place. All who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on My Father, and He will at once send more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?” Jesus knew everything was unfolding just as God had planned long ago.

Then Jesus turned to the crowd and said, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs to capture Me? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me. But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” At that moment, all the disciples left Him and ran away in fear. Jesus stood alone, ready to face what lay ahead.