Be Like a Servant

²⁴Later the apostles* began to argue about which one of them was the most important. ²⁵But Jesus said to them, "The kings of the world rule over their people. Men who have authority over other people make the people call them 'great helpers [of the people].' ²⁶But you must not be like that. The greatest person should become like the youngest person! Leaders should be like servants. ²⁷Who is more important: the person sitting at the table or the person serving him? You think the person sitting at the table is more important. But I am like a servant among you! ²⁸"You men have stayed with me through many struggles. ²⁹My Father has given me a kingdom. I also give you authority to rule with me. ³⁰You will eat and drink at my table in my kingdom. You will sit on thrones and judge the twelve tribes (family groups) of Israel.*

Don't Lose Your Faith!

³¹"Satan (the devil) has asked to test you men like a farmer tests his wheat. O Simon, Simon (Peter), ³²I have prayed that you will not lose your faith! Help your brothers be stronger when you come back to me." ³³But Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, I am ready to go to jail with you. I will even die with you!" ³⁴But Jesus said, "Peter, before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will say you don't know me. You will say this three times!"

Be Ready for Trouble

³⁵Then Jesus said to the apostles,*"I sent you [to tell people about God]. I sent you without money, a bag, or shoes. But did you need anything?" The apostles said, "No." ³⁶Jesus said to them, "But now if you have money or a bag, carry that with you. If you don't have a sword, sell your coat and buy one. ³⁷The Scripture* says: 'People said he was a criminal.' Isaiah 53:12

This Scripture must happen. It was written about me, and it is happening now." ³⁸The followers said, "Look, Lord, here are two swords!" Jesus said to them, "That's enough!"

Jesus Tells the Apostles to Pray

^39-40Jesus left the city (Jerusalem) and went to the Mount of Olives.* His followers went with him. (Jesus went there often.) Jesus said to his followers, "Pray for strength against temptation." ⁴¹Then Jesus went about 50 steps away from them. He kneeled down and prayed, ⁴²"Father, if it is what you want, then let me not have this cup* [of suffering]. But do what you want, not what I want." ⁴³Then an angel from heaven appeared. The angel was sent to help Jesus. ⁴⁴Jesus was full of pain; he struggled hard in prayer. Sweat dripped from his face like he was bleeding.* ⁴⁵When Jesus finished praying, he went to his followers. They were asleep. (Their sadness had made them very tired.) ⁴⁶Jesus said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray for strength against temptation."

Jesus Is Arrested

⁴⁷While Jesus was speaking, a group of people came. One of the twelve apostles* was leading the group. He was Judas. Judas came close to Jesus so that he could kiss Jesus. ⁴⁸But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you using the kiss [of friendship] to give the Son of Man* [to his enemies]?" ⁴⁹The followers of Jesus were standing there too. They saw what was happening. The followers said to Jesus, "Lord, should we use our swords?" ⁵⁰And one of the followers did use his sword. He cut off the right ear of the servant of the high priest.* ⁵¹Jesus said, "Stop!" Then Jesus touched the servant's ear and healed him. ⁵²The group that came to arrest Jesus were the leading priests, the older Jewish leaders, and the Jewish soldiers. Jesus said to them, "Why did you come out here with swords and sticks? Do you think I am a criminal? ⁵³I was with you every day in the temple* area. Why didn't you try to arrest me there? But this is your time--the time when darkness (sin) rules."

apostles The men Jesus chose to be his special helpers. Israel First, Israel was the Jewish nation, but the name is also used to mean all of God's people. Scripture Part of the Holy Writings--Old Testament. Mount of Olives A hill east of the city of Jerusalem where a person could look down into the temple area. cup Jesus is talking about the bad things that will happen to him. Accepting these things will be hard, like drinking a cup full of something that tastes very bad. Verses 43-44 Some Greek copies do not have verses 43 and 44. Son of Man A name Jesus used for himself. In Dan. 7:13-14, this is the name for the Messiah, the one God chose to save his people. high priest The most important Jewish priest and leader. temple The special building in Jerusalem for Jewish worship.