Stories from the Life of Christ Told to the Children - Janet Kelman




Gethsemane

And when they had sung an hymn, Jesus went forth with his disciples unto the Mount of Olives, where was a garden which was named Gethsemane, into the which they entered. And Judas also which betrayed him knew the place, for Jesus ofttimes went thither with his disciples. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, "Pray that ye enter not into temptation." And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

Then saith he unto them, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death. Tarry ye here and watch with me."

And he went a little further, about a stone's cast, and fell on his face and prayed, saying, "O my Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me, nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt."

And when he rose up from prayer and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, and saith unto Peter, "Simon, sleepest thou? Couldest not thou watch with me one hour?"

He went away the second time and prayed, saying, "O my Father, if this cup may not pass from me except I drink it, thy will be done."

And he came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. Neither wist they what to answer him.

And he left them and went away and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, "Sleep on now, and take your rest. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise up, let us go. Behold, he is at hand that cloth betray me."

And while he yet spike, lo, Judas came, and with him many with lanterns and torches and weapons from the chief priests and elders of the people.

And Jesus went forth and said unto them," "Whom seek ye?"

They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus saith unto them, "I am he."

As soon then as he said unto them, "I am he," they went backward, and fell to the ground.

Then asked he them again, "Whom seek ye?"

And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."

Jesus answered, "I have told you that I am he. If therefore ye seek me, let these go their way."

And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, "Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him and lead him away safely."

And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to Jesus and saith, "Hail, Master," and kissed him.

And Jesus said unto him, "Judas, betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss?"

And they laid hands on him and took him. Then saith Jesus unto them which were come unto him, "Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me."

Then all the disciples forsook him and fled. And they led Jesus away to the high priest, and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the Scribes.