So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people. Of the...

The slave’s name was Malchus. Who was Malchus? That’s an easy question to overlook amid the drama of Jesus’ encounter with those who have come out to arrest him. But I think it’s also an important question. Because while we don’t know with any certainty who exactly Malchus was – we...

Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?” Having spoken yesterday about how...

Again he asked them, “For whom are you looking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, “I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave...

After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas brought a...

Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. One final introductory note setting the stage not just for this scene but for the whole of the passion narrative: What happens next is no accident. Notice that Jesus goes to a place he knows, a...