Jesus’ Arrest and Trial

Arrest in the Garden (Matthew 26; John 18)

On the night of Jesus’ betrayal, after the Passover meal, He and His disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. There, Jesus felt overwhelmed with sorrow and grief. He asked Peter, James, and John to stay awake and keep watch with Him while He prayed. His heart was heavy as He faced the agonizing suffering that lay ahead. Jesus prayed earnestly to God, asking, “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”

However, His disciples were tired and fell asleep. Twice, Jesus woke them, but they couldn’t stay awake for long. Finally, as He was praying, He saw Judas approaching with a crowd of soldiers and temple guards. Judas had agreed to betray Jesus, and he identified Him with a kiss. Jesus, knowing that His time had come, faced Judas and asked, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

The guards seized Jesus, and despite Peter’s attempt to fight them off, Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Put your sword away. Do you not think I can call on my Father, and He will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” Jesus chose to endure His suffering, knowing it was part of God’s plan.

In fear, the disciples fled, abandoning Jesus in His moment of need.

Peter Denies Jesus (Luke 22; John 18)

Jesus was taken to the high priest’s house, where He was put on trial by the Jewish religious leaders. Meanwhile, Peter and John followed at a distance. When they reached the courtyard of the high priest’s house, Peter was questioned by a servant girl, who recognized him as one of Jesus’ followers. In fear, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times.

As Peter denied Jesus for the third time, a rooster crowed. Peter remembered Jesus’ prediction that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed. Grief-stricken and full of shame, Peter ran out of the courtyard, weeping bitterly, realizing he had failed his Lord.

Judas’ Regret and Death (Matthew 27)

After Jesus’ arrest, Judas realized the weight of his betrayal. Filled with remorse, he returned the thirty pieces of silver to the temple priests, confessing, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” The priests, uninterested in his regret, told him, “That’s your responsibility.” Judas, in despair, threw the silver coins down in the temple and went away to hang himself. The chief priests took the coins and used them to buy a potter’s field, fulfilling a prophecy from the book of Jeremiah.

Jesus Stands Trial Before the Jewish Council (Mark 15; Luke 23)

Jesus was kept in custody overnight and brought before the Jewish Council the following morning. They accused Him of blasphemy, but their testimony was inconsistent, and they could not find any solid evidence against Him. Finally, the high priest asked, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus answered, “I am.” At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared that Jesus had blasphemed, deserving death.

However, the Jewish leaders did not have the authority to execute Jesus. They had to bring Him before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, to seek a death sentence.

Jesus Before Pilate (Mark 15; Luke 23)

The Jewish leaders brought Jesus before Pilate, accusing Him of stirring up trouble and claiming to be a king, which they portrayed as a challenge to Roman authority. Pilate questioned Jesus, asking, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus responded, “You have said so.”

Pilate found no fault in Jesus and tried to release Him, but the crowds, influenced by the chief priests, demanded that Jesus be crucified. Pilate offered to release Jesus as part of the Passover tradition, but the crowd chose to free Barabbas, a notorious criminal, instead. Pilate, wanting to avoid a riot, handed Jesus over to be crucified.

Pilate symbolically washed his hands before the crowd, declaring that he was innocent of Jesus’ blood. He gave in to the crowd’s demand and condemned Jesus to death by crucifixion.

These events mark the beginning of Jesus’ suffering and eventual death on the cross. His arrest, betrayal, denial by Peter, and trial are all part of the unfolding plan of salvation that Jesus willingly embraced, knowing that His death would bring forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe in Him.