Agony in Gethsemane and arrest
Matthew 26:36–56; Mark 14:32–52; Luke 22:39–53; John 18:1–12
After the supper Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley to the garden of Gethsemane and prayed in anguish while his disciples slept. Judas arrived with an armed crowd and betrayed him with a kiss.
He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire.”
Matthew 26:39 (World English Bible)
Three times Jesus prayed that the cup might pass from him, yet not his will but the Father's be done; Luke says his sweat became like great drops of blood (Luke 22:44). Peter struck the high priest's servant with a sword, and Jesus healed the man's ear. Then all the disciples left him and fled.
Places
Mount of OlivesKidronGethsemane
Dating notes
Ussher: the night of Thursday, 2 April AD 33. Ussher's dates put the crucifixion on Friday, 3 April AD 33; many scholars prefer Friday, 7 April AD 30, which would move all of Holy Week three years earlier.