OBC: The Story of Gethsemane
| OBC: The Story of Josiah | OBC: The Story of Gethsemane | ???? |
"OBC: The Story of Gethsemane" is a two-part story arc from the Odyssey Bible Comics series, re-written by Evan David and illustrated by Sergio Cariello. It adapts the events of Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, drawn from the four Gospels. The story follows Tori and Matthew, two modern-day kids who travel via the Imagination Station to witness Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, and Peter’s denial.
Plot Synopsis
Mr. Whittaker sends Tori and Matthew to the night of Jesus' arrest, where they arrive in the Garden of Gethsemane as Jesus prays in anguish, asking the Father to “take this cup of suffering” but ultimately submitting to God’s will. As the disciples fall asleep, Judas arrives with soldiers to betray Jesus with a kiss.
Peter tries to defend Jesus by striking a guard's ear with a sword, but Jesus rebukes him and miraculously heals the wound. Jesus willingly surrenders, reminding the crowd that He had been openly teaching in the temple all along. He is arrested and led to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest.
There, Jesus is mocked, beaten, and falsely accused of blasphemy. Peter follows at a distance and ends up denying Jesus three times before the rooster crows. Tori and Matthew, shaken by the violence and betrayal, are eventually forced to leave the scene, but not before learning that God’s plan is still unfolding—even in the darkest moment.
Character Development
Tori and Matthew are present in the garden from the very beginning, silently watching Jesus’ emotional prayer and His sorrow at the disciples' inability to stay awake. When Judas arrives, they witness the betrayal and the moment Peter strikes off the servant’s ear. Tori is clearly horrified, and Matthew looks on in awe as Jesus restores the man’s ear.
The kids accompany the angry mob as Jesus is led to Caiaphas’ house. There, they interact with bystanders and quietly observe Peter’s denial unfold in real time. One local bystander questions the kids about being with Jesus in the garden, which unnerves them. As Jesus is mocked and spit upon, the kids are drawn into the painful weight of what’s happening. A kind woman ushers them away, saying, “Don’t worry, Tori. We know who wins in the end.” Later, back at Whit’s End, they reflect on Peter’s sorrow and Jesus' mercy—even in chaos.
Tori and Matthew's relationship is tested and deepened during the story. Tori is emotionally affected from the start—she’s anxious as she watches Jesus suffer in prayer, and visibly distressed during the arrest. Her compassionate instincts surface when she shields her eyes during Jesus’ mock trial. Matthew, often more curious and lighthearted in past stories, adopts a more somber tone. He wants to get closer to the trial, even warning Tori that it might be dangerous.
Their roles subtly shift: Matthew becomes more proactive, determined to understand what's happening, while Tori responds more emotionally, seeking comfort in the truth that Jesus is still in control. This balance between them—one driven by inquiry, the other by empathy—strengthens their bond as they process the crucifixion's lead-up together.
Lesson
The Gethsemane story teaches that even in moments of fear, betrayal, and pain, God's will is being fulfilled. Jesus’ willingness to surrender without violence, His healing of a wounded enemy, and His silence before false accusations all reveal His strength, compassion, and divine purpose. The story also emphasizes personal reflection, as seen in Peter’s denial and regret, encouraging readers to remain faithful even under pressure—and to trust that Jesus’ sacrifice was part of a much greater plan.