1. When Jesus finished praying, he left with his followers and went across the Kidron Valley. He went into a garden there, his followers still with him.
2. Judas, the one responsible for handing Jesus over, knew where this place was. He knew because Jesus often met there with his followers.
3. So Judas led a group of soldiers to the garden, along with some guards from the leading priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns, and weapons.
4. Jesus already knew everything that would happen to him. So he went out and asked them, “Who are you looking for?”
5. They answered, “Jesus from Nazareth.” He said, “I am Jesus.” (Judas, the one responsible for handing Jesus over, was standing there with them.)
6. When Jesus said, “I am Jesus,” the men moved back and fell to the ground.
7. He asked them again, “Who are you looking for?” They said, “Jesus from Nazareth.”
8. Jesus said, “I told you that I am Jesus. So if you are looking for me, let these other men go free.”
9. This was to show the truth of what Jesus said earlier: “I have not lost anyone you gave me.”
10. Simon Peter had a sword, which he pulled out. He struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)