I.Jesus Arrested (18:1-14)
18:1 The Kidron Valley was east of Jerusalem and was usually dry, except during the rainy season.
18:4 “knowing all that was going to happen to him” – These events were no surprise to Jesus. Not only did he know about others, he knew about his own destiny. Remember the prayer of Jesus in John 17. He begins with these words, “Father, the time has come.” There is only one time that the Lord does not know. What is that? Read Matthew 24:36. Do we know our own future?
18:5-8 We hear the Lord answering three times “I am he” in these verses. Throughout the Gospel of John we hear the Lord saying, “I am….” Can you remember some of the “I am” sayings? His word is so powerful that people were knocked down; no doubt they were surprised by his presence. Do you believe that the Lord’s Word is powerful today? Read Hebrews 4:12 and Revelation 1:16.
18:9 The words spoken by Jesus Christ are at the same level as Scripture. He is the Living Word. He is the way, the TRUTH, and the life (John 14:6). It was important that the Lord not lose those the Father gave him. Read John 6:39 and 17:12. But Judas was a different story.
18:10 Simon Peter – John gives us both the identity of the one who drew the short sword and the one whose ear was cut off. What does this say about Peter? In John 13:37, Peter declared, “I will lay down my life for you.” Peter was still self-confident when he reached for his sword, but the three denials are coming soon. Our feelings can sometimes get in the way of our faith. What does that mean? Which is more important: faith or feelings?
18:11 “the cup” is a picture of suffering and judgment. Read Psalm 75:8. What about the cup that Jesus gave to His disciples at the Last Supper? Read 1 Corinthians 11:25-29.
II. Peter’s First Denial (18:15-18)
Probably the other disciple in verse 15 is John. He is not often named in this Gospel. Peter is challenged by a girl who is a slave, the lowest position in society. The easy answer to her question is “no,” but the easy way is not what is required of disciples.
III. The High Priest Questions Jesus (18:19-24)
Jesus taught the truth to his disciples and to the crowds. Questioning Jesus without any witnesses was illegal, also hitting him was illegal. 18:23 “the truth” – Throughout the Gospel of John we hear about the truth. Let’s read John 1:14, 17; 3:3; 4:24; 17:17.
IV. Peter’s Second and Third Denials (18:25-27)
Again, the question is asked in a way that it is easy to respond with “no.” The third question was from a relative of Malchus, someone who saw Peter. With this third denial, the rooster began to crow. Jesus’ prophecy is fulfilled. All four gospels mention the prediction (Matthew 26:33-35; Mark 14:29-31; Luke 22:31-34; John 13:38). When do you hear a rooster?
V. Jesus Before Pilate (18:28-40)
18:28 “the Roman governor” – Jesus is taken to the political leader for a hearing/trial. It was “early morning,” probably around 6 or 7 am. Notice that the Jews were nervous about entering a Gentile residence, “to avoid ceremonial uncleanness.” This was the same reason that the Priest and Levite avoided helping the man beaten on the road (Luke 10:31-32). Remember that Jesus was criticized for his association with “unclean” people. Read Luke 15:1-2. Later, in the book of Acts, Peter has a vision that changes his attitude toward Gentiles (Acts 10:9-23). Are there people today that are considered “unclean” by Christians (the church)?
18:29-32 Pilate knows about Jewish religious laws and ceremonies. In his view there is no valid reason for a Roman political court to take this case. The real issue, however, is the authority to execute by crucifixion. The Jewish leaders had another way to execute people (stoning to death). We will see that in Acts 7 (the stoning of Stephen). What about capital punishment in South Korea? How is it handled? Do you believe the Bible teaches capital punishment for today?
18:33-34 Pilate begins to question Jesus. The question is the same in all the Gospels. Jesus answers with another question. If this were Pilate’s own question, it would have meant “Are you a rebel?” The Jewish leaders would have asked, “Do you think you are the promised Messiah?”
18:36 Jesus tells Pilate that his kingdom is “not of this world.” What does this mean? To what extent can the church be involved in the world? Politics? Economics?
18:37-38 We hear our Lord declare his position as Messiah. The Messiah’s mission was to “testify to the truth.” Today many people say that we cannot know “truth.” Truth is no longer absolute, but is now relative. What does this mean?
18:39-40 The people have a choice to release one prisoner. Their choice is Barabbas. Who was Barabbas? Read Luke 23:19. His name means “son of Abba,” or “son of the Father.” In place of the criminal with that name, Jesus the real Son of God was crucified.