Key Scripture Readings: Matthew 26:36-56; Mark 14:32-52; Luke 22:39-53; John 18:1-11
Fast Facts
- After Judas went off to betray Jesus, the Lord announced His departure from them would be soon and how Peter would deny Him three times before a rooster crowed (John 13:31-38).
- John includes some additional comforting words Jesus said to His apostles (John 14).
- After their gathering in the upper room, Jesus and His apostles then headed for Gethsemane. On their journey, Jesus continued preparing them for what was soon to come (John 15-16). After speaking to the apostles, Jesus prayed for them and His future followers (John 17).
- Once in Gethsemane, Jesus continued in prayer (this time in agony). He took with Him Peter, James, and John. He asked them to be alert and keep watch for Him (Matthew 26:36-38, 40). Unfortunately, He found them asleep each time He returned to them. He told them to watch and pray (Matthew 26:41).
- Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Jesus prayed this on three separate occasions.
- After finishing, Jesus returned to the apostles and said, “Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hand of sinners. Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand” (Matthew 26:46).
- Just as He said this, Judas arrived with a large crowd. They were there for Judas to point Jesus out to them so they could arrest Him (Matthew 26:47-48).
- Judas told them, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him” (Matthew 26:48). He then kissed Jesus.
- The soldiers began arresting Jesus when Peter grabbed his sword and cut off the ear of the slave of the high priest (Matthew 26:51).
- Jesus told Peter to put his sword away. This must be done to accomplish the will of God. The disciples (being in fear) then abandoned Jesus and fled (Matthew 26:52-56).
Study Questions
- What bad news did Jesus give the apostles once Judas headed out into the night?
- How did Jesus prepare His disciples for what was about to happen?
- Why did Jesus go to Gethsemane?
- Which three apostles did Jesus take with Him? What instructions did He give them?
- What did Jesus pray to the Father in Gethsemane? How many times did He do this?
- What did Jesus find the disciples doing each time He returned to them? What can we learn from their actions?
- Who did Judas bring with him to Jesus in Gethsemane? Why?
- How did Judas betray the Lord?
- How did Jesus respond to Peter’s efforts to protect Him? What can we learn about Jesus from this?
