The Last Group Prayer and Preparation for Betrayal 

On the night of Thursday, April 6, 30 CE, around 10 PM, Jesus led his eleven apostles from the home of Elijah and Mary Mark to the camp at Gethsemane. John Mark, the son of Elijah and Mary, who had been closely following Jesus since their stay in the hills, discreetly followed them as they made their way through the city, across the brook Kidron, and back to the private encampment near Gethsemane Park. John Mark, being eager to witness the events of that night, stayed near Jesus throughout the entire evening and the following day, observing everything that transpired.

As they approached the camp, the apostles began to express concerns over the absence of Judas Iscariot. Their unease grew, especially after the prediction that one of them would betray Jesus. While they refrained from speaking openly about Judas on their way back, their suspicions heightened when they found the camp empty upon arrival, without Judas waiting for them. Seeking answers, the apostles questioned Andrew, the group’s leader. Andrew expressed his fear that Judas had deserted them, confirming the apostles’ growing sense of betrayal.

Shortly after arriving at camp, Jesus addressed the group, telling them, "My friends and brethren, my time with you is now very short, and I desire that we draw apart by ourselves while we pray to our Father in heaven for strength to sustain us in this hour and henceforth in all the work we must do in his name." He then led the apostles a short distance up the Mount of Olives, where, under the moonlight, they knelt together on a large flat rock, forming a circle as they had done on the day of their ordination. As the apostles knelt around him, Jesus stood in their midst and began his prayer to the Father.

In his prayer, Jesus acknowledged that his hour had come and asked the Father to glorify him so that he, in turn, could glorify the Father. He reflected on the authority granted to him and expressed his desire to give eternal life to all who would become faithful children of God. Jesus prayed for his apostles, acknowledging their faith and dedication despite their weaknesses, and asked the Father to keep them united and faithful as he prepared to leave them. Jesus prayed for their protection in a world that might hate them, just as it had hated him, and requested that they be sanctified in truth. He also prayed not only for his immediate followers but for all future believers who would come to know the gospel through their ministry.

In this prayer, Jesus asked for unity among his apostles and all believers, desiring that they be one in spirit, just as he and the Father were one. He prayed for the coming of the new teacher, the Spirit of Truth, who would strengthen and comfort his followers after his departure. The apostles remained in silent reflection after the prayer, fully absorbing the significance of Jesus’ words. The peace and solemnity of the moment lingered as they made their way back to camp.

Upon returning to the camp, the apostles were shocked to discover that Judas was still absent. Their fears regarding Judas’s betrayal intensified as they discussed his actions among themselves. Meanwhile, David Zebedee and John Mark approached Jesus privately, revealing that they had been observing Judas for several days and were aware of his intention to betray Jesus to the Jewish authorities. Despite this revelation, Jesus remained calm and reassured them, saying, "My friends, nothing can happen to the Son of Man unless the Father in heaven so wills. Let not your hearts be troubled; all things will work together for the glory of God and the salvation of men."

As the night progressed, Jesus’ mood became more somber. Despite the apostles’ growing anxiety, they were physically exhausted, having been deprived of adequate sleep in the days leading up to their time in Jerusalem. As a result, they reluctantly retired to their tents at Jesus’ request, except for Peter, James, and John, whom Jesus asked to stay with him a little longer.

Before the apostles retired, Simon Zelotes distributed swords and other arms, ensuring that each man, except Nathaniel, was equipped. Nathaniel refused the arms, reminding his brethren that Jesus had repeatedly taught that his kingdom was not of this world and that his disciples were not to fight for its establishment. Nathaniel expressed his belief that Jesus could defend himself if necessary and concluded that his refusal to resist his enemies must represent his commitment to fulfilling the Father’s will. Andrew, deeply moved by Nathaniel’s conviction, also returned his sword, but the other nine apostles kept their weapons.

Amid the tension, Jesus called David Zebedee and requested that he send a trustworthy messenger to deliver a message to Abner in Philadelphia. Jesus instructed David’s messenger, Jacob, to tell Abner that he would soon be delivered into the hands of his enemies and put to death, but that he would rise from the dead and appear to them before returning to the Father. With a final word of encouragement, Jesus sent Jacob on his way, assuring him that an unseen messenger would accompany him throughout his journey.

As the apostles retired, burdened by the news of Judas’s betrayal, Jesus spoke to Andrew privately, saying, "Andrew, do what you can to keep your brethren together until I come again to you after I have drunk this cup. Strengthen your brethren, seeing that I have already told you all. Peace be with you." Although none of the apostles expected anything unusual to happen that night, David Zebedee and John Mark remained vigilant, knowing that Judas and the temple guards would soon arrive to arrest Jesus.

David and John Mark had devised a plan to keep watch over the two main paths leading to Gethsemane. David stationed himself on the upper trail, which connected the road from Bethany to Jerusalem, while John Mark took up a post along the road near the Kidron Valley. However, John Mark’s curiosity and devotion to Jesus led him to abandon his lookout, allowing him to witness firsthand the events that transpired in the garden during those final hours before Jesus’ arrest. Hiding in the bushes, John Mark observed everything that occurred between Jesus, Peter, James, and John until Judas arrived with the temple guards.

As Jesus prayed and the apostles rested in the camp, Judas Iscariot was in conference with the captain of the temple guards, who had assembled a group of soldiers to carry out the arrest of Jesus. Judas, having finalized his betrayal, prepared to lead the guards to the location where Jesus and the apostles were camped. Despite the unfolding events, most of the apostles were unaware of the impending betrayal. They had expected any confrontation with the authorities to occur the following morning after the preparation day for Passover had begun.

David Zebedee, who had stood guard on the upper trail, bid Jesus farewell before departing for his watch. He expressed his gratitude for the time he had spent serving Jesus, acknowledging that, while his brothers were apostles, he had taken joy in doing the lesser tasks that needed to be done. In response, Jesus commended David’s service, assuring him that he, too, would serve alongside him in the eternal kingdom. Before departing, David informed Jesus that his family was traveling from Jericho and would arrive the following day. Jesus acknowledged this, allowing David to continue his watch.

John Mark followed Jesus, Peter, James, and John into a nearby ravine where Jesus intended to pray. From his hiding place, John Mark would witness the final moments of peace before Judas’s arrival with the armed guards. The tension in the air grew as the disciples unknowingly awaited the arrival of Jesus’ betrayer. Meanwhile, Judas led the temple guards toward Gethsemane, preparing to deliver Jesus into their hands.

As the hour of betrayal approached, Jesus remained composed, fully aware of what would transpire. His calm demeanor and unwavering trust in the Father’s plan stood in stark contrast to the anxiety and uncertainty felt by the apostles. Even as Judas made his final preparations, Jesus continued to impart wisdom and comfort to those around him, preparing them for the trials that lay ahead.