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John 18:10-11 (NLT)
10 Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s servant. 11 But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup the Father has given me?”

DRAWING NOTES:

TIME OF DAY:
Unspecified I Bible text. Night. A moment after the previous scene.

LIGHTING NOTES:
As with the previous scene, flaming torches provide the warm light that illuminates this picture. Additionally, the moon bathes the scene in a cool, blue-white light.

CHARACTERS PRESENT:
Jesus is standing between Malchus (bending over in pain as his ear has been cut off) and Simon/Peter, with his hand on the latter’s sword. Behind Simon/Peter (from left to right) are James (son of Zebedee), John (son of Zebedee), and Andrew. Behind them all are two unnamed disciples (carrying torches).
On the right of the scene is Judas Iscariot.

RESEARCH/ADDITIONAL NOTES:
This scene occurs at the beginning of the Easter week, which is also called “Passion week” or “Holy week”, the time between Palm Sunday through to Easter Sunday (Resurrection Sunday). Included within Passion Week are Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. The term “Passion Week” refers to Jesus’ willingness to suffer on the cross in order to pay the price for the sins of people.

This scene occurs immediately after the previous scene, and shows Simon-Peter having just struck Malchus with his sword, cutting off his ear. Jesus is telling Simon/Peter to put up his sword.

I haven’t shown any of the surrounding Roman soldiers, temple guards, etc, as I wanted to focus the viewer’s attention on the scene. Some yellow torch light (seen reflected on Malchus, Jesus, Judas, etc) shows that these other people are nearby.

As with the previous scene, you can see olive trees (Olea europaea) in the background.