John 18:1-21

The Kedron brook is at the foot of the garden of Gethsemane. This garden is full of olive trees (some believe they were there when Jesus prayed there). This garden was a favorite place of Jesus' to go and pray. When we were in Israel, we saw a giant hewn out rock with a large, round stone rolling around inside. I asked the guide what it was, and he said a gethsemane. On further inquiry, he told me this was used to crush olives and make olive oil. This was very interesting to me, since olive oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit of God.

V-2,

Judas would have no problem knowing where Jesus would be. When Jesus was ministering in Jerusalem, He would go to Gethsemane to spend the night. Many times, He prayed all night here. This was especially a favorite place for Peter, James, and John to go with Him.

V-3,

John, here, has skipped some of the details about how Judas has gone and made a deal for thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus to the authorities. Notice that they came to get Jesus under the cover of darkness. They were prepared to use force if necessary, because they had brought weapons. Had Jesus not wanted to go with them, these weapons would have been of no use. He knew it was the appointed time, so He put up no fight at all.

V-4,

Notice here, again, that Jesus was not trying to avoid them. Jesus knew why they were here. He, also, knew that this was His appointed time. John does not go into detail about Judas kissing Jesus in betrayal. I really believe this is because John emphasizes the fact that Jesus has everything under control.

V-5,

Here, again, we see that John, more than any other of the writers, shows that Jesus is in total control of this situation at all times. Notice that Jesus answers them immediately. We see here a mention of Judas, but again John does not mention that Judas kissed Jesus to reveal to the mob which one was Jesus. This Jesus of Nazareth means Jesus who lived in Nazareth, not that Jesus was under a Nazarite vow.

V-6,

These men fell from the power of the Spirit of God. When Jesus said, "I am he", the power of this statement made them go backwards. They were momentarily felled by the power of the Spirit in these words. You can easily see from this, that they could not have taken Jesus, had He not been willing to go.

V-7, "

V-8,

Jesus was trying to protect His followers even to the end. Jesus is saying, I am ready to go, leave all of them alone. He had shown them just a few moments ago, that they could not take them, if He didn't want them to.

V-9,

Jesus was protecting His own. No one can take anyone away from Jesus. Even when we Christians belong to Jesus, we cannot be taken away from Jesus. The devil can attack a Christian, but he cannot overcome him, because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. I John 4:4, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."

V-10,

You can see from this, that Simon Peter was ready to fight to the death for Jesus. He was against great odds and struck out at the high priest's servant. Peter just didn't understand Jesus giving in to these worldly people. Peter felt that Jesus would take over as king of Israel right then. Peter, being a strong man, could not understand not fighting back. Of course, this cutting off of Malchus' ear was to show even these soldiers who Jesus really was.

V-11,

It is interesting that John did not mention the fact that Jesus healed Malchus' ear. This is found in Luke 22:51, "And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him." Jesus tells Peter, here, that they are not to fight. This is Jesus' time to be taken, and He is willing to suffer for all of humanity, as He and His Father had planned.

V-12,

V-13,

Jesus made no resistance at all, and so they bound Him and took Him away. Annas was the lesser court, and Jesus was carried there first. It seems Annas was inquired of to see, if really, any charges should be made. Really, it was the priests, scribes, and Pharisees who were accusing Jesus. This was not civil laws that Jesus was being charged of breaking.

V-14,

This Caiaphas seemed to know that the Scriptures said one would die for all the rest, and yet, he does not recognize Jesus as Messiah.

V-15,

This other disciple, here, is probably John. John never speaks of himself by name in his gospel. We know that John's gospel sheds much light on the details of all of this, which further proves that this other disciple, here, is John. This palace o f the high priest was probably occupied by Caiaphas, and Annas possibly had part of the building, as well. It was not unusual for a son-in-law to live in the same place with a father-in-law.

V-16,

Many writer believe that John was from a very well to do family. As we said before, many even believe that the spacious home where the Last Supper was eaten in the Upper Room, belonged to this family. That upper room and this abode of Caiaphas' we re not far apart. It would be very likely, then, that is why he could come and bring Peter in. This is perhaps reading between the lines, but this is probably the case here.

V-17,

This damsel was already aware of the other disciple (possibly John), and asks Peter if he is not a follower of Jesus. We see, here, Peter's first denial. We spoke before that Peter was ready to fight, but not give in. Whatever the reasoning of Peter, he does deny Jesus.

V-18,

Right before Easter, it would be cool. This is usually in April, which is a cold month. This is at night, as well, and in April and May, it is cold at night. Peter is staying close, but not defending the Lord for fear he, too, will be captured.

V-19,

You know the high priest had heard about the 5,000 men who were fed at one of Jesus' meetings. The high priest is, perhaps, trying to find out what they would have to fight, if an uprising of Jesus' followers takes place. He should already know Jesus' doctrine. Jesus had not hidden to teach. He had taught in Jerusalem many times. There really was no secret about Jesus' activity. They just wanted to trap Jesus, so they might have something to accuse Him of.

V-20,

V-21, "Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said."

Jesus is right. There had been temple spies at all of the meetings trying to come up with something they could accuse Him of. They could not find anything worthy to try Him of. He only did good; how could they try Him for that? Jesus had not hidden from them. He had spoken boldly before them, even in the temple. He really is saying, ask your spies what I said. The truth of the matter is that they have no punishable offense.

Source: Lesson by Louise Haney - lovethelord.com

1. What was the name of the brook Jesus crossed?

2. Where did Jesus go to pray and rest often?

3. What, besides this garden, is called a gethsemane in Israel?

4. Who, besides Jesus, knew that He went there often?

5. Which disciple had betrayed Jesus and brought officers to arrest Jesus?

6. What tells us this was at night?

7. Why did Jesus come forth and ask, Whom seek ye?

8. Why did John not go into detail about Judas kissing Jesus to betray Him?

9. What name did they call Jesus?

10. How did Jesus answer the people with Judas?

11. What happened to them when Jesus said, I am he?

12. When Jesus told them who He was, what did He say for them to do with the disciples?

13. Who drew his sword?

14. Whose ear did he cut off?

15. What miracle did Jesus do in front of these who came to get Him?

16. What did Jesus say to Peter?

17. Where did they take Jesus?

18. Who was his father-in-law?

19. What had Caiaphas said to the counsel?

20. Who was the other disciple who followed, probably?

21. Why could this other disciple get in?

22. Who asked Peter, art thou Jesus' disciple?

23. What did Peter answer?

24. What two things did the high priest ask Jesus of?

25. Where did Jesus remind them that He had spoken openly?

26. Who should they be asking these questions?