John 18:1-18

New Life Version

Jesus Handed Over to Sinners ^(A)

18 When Jesus had said these things, He went with His followers across the small river Kidron. He and His followers went to a garden there. ² Judas, who was handing Him over to the leaders, knew the place also. Jesus and His followers had met there many times. ³ Judas led some soldiers and some men who had been sent by the head religious leaders of the Jews and the proud religious law-keepers to the garden. They carried lamps and sticks that were burning and swords.

⁴ Jesus knew what was going to happen to Him. He went out and asked them, “Who are you looking for?” ⁵ The soldiers answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said, “I am Jesus.” Judas, who was handing Him over, was with them also.

⁶ When He said to them, “I am Jesus,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. ⁷ He asked them again, “Who are you looking for?” They said again, “Jesus of Nazareth.” ⁸ He said, “I have told you that I am Jesus. If you are looking for Me, let these men go their way.” ⁹ He said this so the words He spoke might happen, “I have not lost one of those You gave Me.”

¹⁰ Simon Peter had a sword. He took it and hit a servant who was owned by the head religious leader and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. ¹¹ Then Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back where it belongs. Am I not to go through what My Father has given Me to go through?”

Jesus Stands in Front of Annas

¹² Then the soldiers and their captain and the men sent by the Jewish religious leaders took Jesus and tied Him. ¹³ They took Him to Annas first. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas. Caiaphas was the head religious leader that year. ¹⁴ Caiaphas had talked to the Jews. He told them it would be a good thing if one man should die for the people.

Peter Lies about Jesus ^(B)

¹⁵ Simon Peter and another follower came behind Jesus. This other follower was known to the head religious leader. He went with Jesus to the head religious leader’s house. ¹⁶ Peter stood outside at the gate. The other follower, who was known by the head religious leader, went out and talked to the servant-girl who watched the gate. Then he took Peter inside. ¹⁷ The servant-girl who watched the door said to Peter, “Are you not a follower of this Man?” He said, “I am not!” ¹⁸ The servants who were owned by someone and the soldiers had made a fire because it was cold. They were getting warm by the fire. Peter was standing with them getting warm.