The Life of Jesus

So the disciples left and went into the city, where they found everything as Jesus had described. And they prepared the Passover.

When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve.

And while they were reclining and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you who is eating with Me will betray Me.”

They began to be grieved and to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I?”

He answered, “It is one of the Twelve—the one who is dipping his hand into the bowl with Me.

The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take it; this is My body.”

Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.

Truly I tell you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.”

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I never will.”

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”

But Peter kept insisting, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the others said the same thing.

Then they came to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus told His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”

He took with Him Peter, James, and John, and began to be deeply troubled and distressed.

Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch.”

Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour would pass from Him.

“Abba, Father,” He said, “all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.”

Then Jesus returned and found them sleeping. “Simon, are you asleep?” He asked. “Were you not able to keep watch for one hour?

Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Again He went away and prayed, saying the same thing.

And again Jesus returned and found them sleeping—for their eyes were heavy. And they did not know what to answer Him.