LESSON 21: The Frightened Disciples Who Ran

(Matthew 26:47-75)

A true friend stays with you even when things get hard. Jesus taught, “The greatest love is to give your life for a friend.”

Jesus chose His disciples to stay with Him and to teach others about God’s Kingdom. But the disciples did not expect Jesus to be arrested and treated like a criminal. Some thought he would become a king on earth, but things did not happen as they imagined.

One night, while Jesus was praying in a garden called Gethsemane, soldiers came to arrest Jesus. Peter, one of Jesus’ closest friends, tried to fight back. He cut off a soldier’s ear. But Jesus healed the man and told Peter not to fight. Jesus willingly went with the soldiers. The disciples were scared and ran away. Only John, Jesus’ Mother, and some women stayed with him. Jesus knew this would happen, but he was not angry. He forgave them.

Jesus already knew His friends would leave Him, but he still loved them. Sometimes, we also turn away from Jesus when we face problems or are afraid. But Jesus is always ready to forgive us and help us return to Him.

A long time ago, many Christians who loved Jesus were hurt or even killed because of their faith. They were called martyrs because they never stopped believing in Jesus, even when it was dangerous. They did not just live for Jesus—they were even willing to die for him.

Now, they are happy in heaven with Jesus! We should also choose to follow Jesus, no matter what happens, because he is always with us.