The Gospel of John: The Arrest

The Gospel of John: The Arrest

John 18:1-11

The Betrayal (v. 1-3)

•      John reports that the words which Jesus spoke were spoken while He and the disciples traveled to the Garden of Gethsemane

–     The Greek shows that these events are happening simultaneously

•      Judas brings a cohort of Roman soldiers to arrest Jesus in the garden

–     Cohort = 200 to 600 men

•      They are prepared for a violent confrontation

•      Judas would have met in the garden with Jesus in the past

–     A reminder of their close relationship

 

The Questioning (v. 4-9)

•      Jesus is depicted as knowing what is about to happen (v. 4)

–     And thus is in control of the situation

•      Even beginning the questioning

•      When Jesus identifies Himself, He uses a form of the divine name “I Am” (v. 5, 7)

–     Thus the mob’s reaction (v. 6)

•      He then surrenders, insisting that His disciples be released

–     Thus showing His care for them

–     And fulfilling earlier Jesus’ promise (17:12)

 

The Defiance (v. 10-11)

•      Peter acts rashly, attacking one of the mob

–     They are outnumbered at least 20 to 1

–     Peter is obviously not adept with a sword

•      Cutting off the man’s ear

•      Which Jesus healed (cf. Luke 22:51)

•      Shows Peter’s lack of understanding of Jesus’ mission (cf. Matt. 26:52-54)

–     This was the will of His Father (v. 11; cf. Luke 22:42)

–     He was not being captured

•      He was giving Himself over to His enemies

•      He is still in control

 

So What?

•      Jesus went to the Cross willingly, to accomplish His Father’s will: our salvation.

•      We must come to Jesus willingly, laying down our lives & our swords, surrendering to His will.

 

Meditation Verse: John 18:11