*John 18:1-24
Jesus is betrayed by Judas, arrested by the Temple guard, and questioned by the high priest Annas.
- Setting the Scene:
- Jesus and his disciples retreat to the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper.
- Judas, one of the disciples, arrives with a detachment of soldiers and officials, sent by the religious leaders.
- Judas identifies Jesus with a kiss, marking him for arrest.
- Jesus’ Surrender and Peter’s Impulsive Act:
- Jesus steps forward and identifies himself to the soldiers, asking them whom they seek.
- In a moment of zeal, Peter draws his sword and strikes the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear.
- Jesus rebukes Peter, urging him to put away his sword, and miraculously heals the servant’s ear.
- Jesus’ Interrogation:
- Jesus is taken first to Annas, the father-in-law of the high priest Caiaphas, for questioning.
- Jesus responds with a veiled reference to his teachings being public, suggesting they should ask those who heard him.
- Then Annas bound Jesus and sent him to Caiaphas, the high priest.
John 18:1-24 teaches us about courage, truth, and trusting God’s plan. Jesus faced betrayal and arrest, yet He remained calm and faithful, knowing God was in control. Meanwhile, Peter, out of fear, denied knowing Jesus. We can apply this by standing firm in our faith, even when it’s difficult. Instead of letting fear or pressure make us hide what we believe, we should trust God and be honest about our faith. When we face tough situations, we can look to Jesus as an example of courage and rely on God’s strength to help us do what is right.
John 18:1-24 (WEB)
18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 Judas then, having taken a detachment of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were happening to him, went out and said to them, “Who are you looking for?”5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.”Jesus said to them, “I am he.”Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When therefore he said to them, “I am he,” they went backward and fell to the ground.7 Again therefore he asked them, “Who are you looking for?”They said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If therefore you seek me, let these go their way,” 9 that the word might be fulfilled which he spoke, “Of those whom you have given me, I have lost none.”10 Simon Peter therefore, having a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11 Jesus therefore said to Peter, “Put the sword into its sheath. The cup which the Father has given me, shall I not surely drink it?”12 So the detachment, the commanding officer, and the officers of the Jews seized Jesus and bound him, 13 and led him to Annas first, for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should perish for the people.15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered in with Jesus into the court of the high priest; 16 but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought in Peter. 17 Then the maid who kept the door said to Peter, “Are you also one of this man’s disciples?”He said, “I am not.”18 Now the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals, for it was cold. They were warming themselves. Peter was with them, standing and warming himself.19 The high priest therefore asked Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching.20 Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them. Behold, they know the things which I said.”22 When he had said this, one of the officers standing by slapped Jesus with his hand, saying, “Do you answer the high priest like that?”23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you beat me?”24 Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas, the high priest.