John 18 - Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested

Joh 18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. After Jesus said all these things, He crossed the Kidron Valley (a brook near Jerusalem), with His disciples, and entered a grove of olive trees. "The Garden of Gethsemane, at the bottom of the Mount of Olives." (One of Jesus' favorite places).

Joh 18:2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas (the betrayer), knew this place because Jesus had often gone there with His disciples. It was like of a camping spot for Jesus and the disciples. (Luke 21:37).  

Joh 18:3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Judas led a "corhort" (Roman military cohort), a squad of men (tenth of a legion, about 600 men). Along with the "chief priests," these were the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), and the Pharisees. You see, the Sadducees and Pharisees put aside their differences in order to destroy Jesus, just as Herod and Pilate were became friends (Luke 23:12), over His condemnation.

Joh 18:4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? Jesus knew what was going on and what was going to happen to Him, so He stepped forward to meet them. Who are you looking for Jesus asked?

Joh 18:5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. With Judas by their side they said to Jesus, "We are looking for Jesus the Nazarene." (Matthew 2:23). "I AM HE," Jesus said to them. "Remember what was said about anyone from Nazareth." (John 1:46). For some reason Nazareth had an evil name, and so a Nazarene was a term of reproach.

Joh 18:6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. As Jesus said "I AM HE," they all drew back and fell to the ground. "Divine intervention." (Psalm 27:2). God could have wiped them all out right then, but He didn't.

Joh 18:7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Once more Jesus asked them, "Who are you looking for?" Again they replied, Jesus the Nazarene. (I think that after they fell back on their asses the first time, they were a little hesitant to ask again, but they did). 

Joh 18:8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: "I told you that I AM HE," Jesus said. Since I am the one you want, let the others go.

Joh 18:9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. Jesus said "let the others go," to fulfill His own statement: "I did not lose a single one of those You have given Me." (John 17:12, John 6:39). Christ protected the disciples while He was here and guarded them so no one was lost. It is the Heavenly Father's will that Jesus should not lose even one of all those He has given Him. But, that He should raise them up in the last day. Future sense: "The Lord's Day." (1 Peter 1:5). Through your faith, God will protect you by His power until salvation is revealed in the last days.

Joh 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. When the servant of the high priest Malchus advanced towards Jesus, Simon Peter drew his sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus. Many scholars think that this was just a lucky stroke that Peter made, and was aiming for the head of Malchus. But, I can tell you as an experienced martial artists, Peter was an expert (master) swordsman. If he had wanted his head, he would have cut it off. Peter just wanted to let him know to back off, or we will stand and fight. (Luke 22:49-51).   

Joh 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? Jesus tells Peter to put his sword away. "Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given Me?" (Jesus was just following the will of is Father). Cup of Suffering: Also referring to the "cup of wrath" that will be poured out among the nation in the end times. (Revelation 16).

Joh 18:12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, The Roman soldiers, the commanding officer, and the Temple guards arrested Jesus and tied Him up.

Joh 18:13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. First they led Him to Annas (father-in-law of Caiaphas), the high priest at the time. (Luke 3:2).

Joh 18:14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. Caiaphas was the head honcho who told the other Jewish leaders, "It's better that one man should die for the people." (John 11:49-52). The Jews regarded any official utterance of the High Priest as inspired. Here Caiaphas was used by God, as Balaam was (Numbers 22:38, Acts 2:23, Acts 4:27-28). 

Joh 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another of the disciples. "A disciple that was known to the high priest." Hmmm, who could that be? Many believe that it was John "the disciple Jesus loved." However, it is more probable that it was someone of influence, as Nicodemus, or Joseph of Arimathaea, both members of the Sanhedrin. I believe that it was Joseph of Arimathaea. (There is speculation that Joseph of Arimathea, or Joseph of Glastonbury as he later became known, was the uncle of Mary, mother of Jesus. The relationship to Mary made him a Great Uncle of Jesus).

Joh 18:16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Peter had to stay outside the gate because only members of the Sanhedrin were aloud in. But Joseph of Arimathea tells the woman at the gate to let Peter into the courtyard. 

Joh 18:17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not. The woman says to Peter; your not one of that man's disciples, are you? "No," Peter said, "I am not." Remember what Jesus told Peter about denying Him three times. "This was the first."

Joh 18:18 And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself. Peter stood with the group warming himself trying to blend in and not cause any trouble. 

Joh 18:19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Meanwhile inside, the high priest began to question Jesus about His followers and teachings. (He was trying to elicit something to be used against Jesus). 

Joh 18:20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Jesus tells the high priest, "everyone knows what I teach." I have taught regularly in the synagogues and the Temple, where the people gather. I have never spoken in secret. (Isaiah 45:19, Matthew 9:35, Luke 21:37).

Joh 18:21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. Why are you asking Me Jesus said? Ask those who heard Me, "they know what I have said."

Joh 18:22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? Then one of the Temple guards (no doubt a kenite), slapped Jesus across the face and said; "Is that the way to answer the high priest?" (This officer has just struck and rebuked the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, Heaven's own High Priest). I wouldn't want to be in his shoes in the end times. Wouldn't you like a piece of this guy? "I know I would."

Joh 18:23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? Jesus replied, If I said anything wrong, prove it. "I am speaking the truth, so why are you beating Me?"

Joh 18:24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. Annas sent Jesus to Caiaphas, then He would be sent to Pilate. Pilate would send Jesus to Herod, and then Herod sends Jesus back to Pilate. The book of John does not record the details of the trial before Caiaphas, but (Luke 22:66-71) does. 

Joh 18:25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. Meanwhile Simon Peter was standing by the fire getting warm and they asked him again, "Your not one of His disciples, are you?" Peter denied it again saying, "No, I am not." (The second denial).

Joh 18:26 One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? Peter being accused again by one of the household slaves of the high priest. "Didn't I see you out in the olive grove with Jesus?"

Joh 18:27 Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.  Peter getting a little upset here denies Jesus again. (The third time). "Then the rooster crowed." (Matthew 26:74, Luke 22:60-62). Peter left the courtyard weeping bitterly. How he must of felt after this experience. He just betrayed all that he believed in. (Satan was rejoicing over this one).

Joh 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. The trial before Caiaphas ended in the early in the morning. (In the early hours of the Passover preparation between 11:00 p.m. and midnight). The accusers of Jesus didn't go inside because it would have defiled them, and they wouldn't be allowed to celebrate Passover. Bunch of hypocrites! These Jewish leaders didn't want to become contaminated and miss out on the Passover, yet Jesus Christ was actually the fulfillment of the Passover. (The Passover Lamb of the New Testament). "Christ became our Passover." (John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 5:7-8). Jesus would be that perfect sacrifice whose blood would save us from death. "They just didn't get it."

Joh 18:29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? So the governor Pilate, went out to them and asked, "What is your charge against this man?"

Joh 18:30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. They answered Pilate and said, "we wouldn't bring Him to you if He wasn't a criminal." They expected Pilate to take their word for it, and condemn Him unheard. (Acts 25:16). However, Roman law does not convict a man unless he faces his accusers and has a chance to defend himself.

Joh 18:31 Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: The Jews and Pilate didn't get along that well, so Pilate tells them to take Jesus away and judge Him by their own law. The Jews tell Pilate, "Only the Romans are permitted to execute someone." You see, by the Jewish law, they seem only to have power of stoning to death. (Acts 7:59). But, they feared the people, and determined to raise the plea of rebellion against Caesar and throw the odium of the Lord's death upon Pilate.

Joh 18:32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die. This would fulfill the prediction of Jesus about how He would die. Remember if the Jews were allowed to put Jesus to death He would have been stoned. Jewish stoning involved breaking bones. However, the prophecies of the Messiah's death said that not one bone would be broken. (Numbers 9:12, Psalm 34:20). Jesus would say Himself that He would be crucified. (Matthew 20:18-19).  

Joh 18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Pilate asked Jesus, "Are You the King of the Jews?" (This shows the malicious charge the Jews had made). 

Joh 18:34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Jesus replied to Pilate, "Is this you question, or did others tell you about Me?"

Joh 18:35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Pilate answers, "Am I a Jew?" Your own people and their leaders brought You to me for a trial. "What have you done?" Pilate wanted to know what Jesus had done to upset these guys. Is Pilate having a little compassion for Jesus? Matthew records their reason. (Matthew 27:18). For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. Delivered up for jealousy because of His popularity with the people.

Joh 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Jesus answers Pilate, My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, My followers would fight to keep Me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But My Kingdom is not of this world. What Jesus is saying here is that He is not a threat to Pilate, or the Roman Empire. His Kingdom is eternal from Heaven. (Daniel 2:44, Daniel 7:14). Jesus would be given ruling power over all nations of the world. "King of Kings and Lord of Lords."

Joh 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate says to Jesus, "So, you are a king?" Jesus replies, "You say I am a king." Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true. (Truth is what the kingdom of God is all about). Twenty-five times in the gospel of John Jesus says; "I'm telling you a truth." We are in a time today when people are moving farther from the truth. It is written: (2 Timothy 4:3-4). "People won't listen to sound doctrine." They follow teachers that teach traditions of men and feed them whatever they want to hear to make them feel comfortable. They reject the truth and chase after myths and traditions. How is your church doing? Remember it is the truth that will set you free from mans religion. (John 8:32, John 14:6).

Joh 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?" (Pilate wasn't jesting here, he was doubtless sick of the various philosophies and religion which contended for acceptance). Then Pilate went out again to the people and told them, "He is not guilty of any crime."

Joh 18:39 But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Pilate says to the people. You have a custom of asking me to release one prisoner each year at Passover. Would you like me to release this man Jesus, "King of the Jews?"

Joh 18:40 Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. The crowd shouted back, "No!" Not this man. We want Barabbas! (Barabbas was a robber, a murderer, and a revolutionary). (Acts 3:14). They chose the robber over "the King of Kings and Lord of Lords." (Matthew 27:20). The kenites were the ones doing the dirty work here and stirred up the crowds against Jesus. Again, if your not familiar with the kenites, read our study topic titled: Son of Cain.

Keep the faith,
Barton