The Garden Confrontation

Romans featured slightly more than in the Synoptic gospels.

Jesus (as God the Son) is seen more obviously in control of events around Him.

John’s gospel includes items missing from the Synoptic gospels.

1. The scene is set by Jesus, 18:1-3.

[1] Jesus had completed His last instructions and His prayer for Himself , the Eleven and for those who would believe the witness of the Eleven. His teaching and prayer (chp. 13-17) probably took place in the courtyard of the home where they ate the Passover meal. It is also possible that this may have taken place on the southern steps to the Temple Complex, which would have been on the way that they were traveling back to their area of bivouac, that is the garden.

Jesus led the way , followed by the Eleven to a crossing of the Kidron ravine/valley. This is the eastern boundary of Jerusalem. In the winter rains, the Kidron could flow with rainwater all the way to the Dead Sea. The rest of the year it would be dry.

Their destination is a garden on the slope of the Mount of lives. Entering there, it sounds as if there was a wall surrounding it. Jesus and His disciples probably gained permission to be within the garden during the feast week. They would not have been able to travel back to Bethany, as such travel was restricted during the Feast. during this time, Jesus would spend each night on the mt. of Olives, Luke 21:37

Luke 21:37 NASB95

Now during the day He was teaching in the temple, but at evening He would go out and spend the night on the mount that is called Olivet.

Luke 22:39 NASB95

And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him.

Jesus traveling across the Kidron may be a comparison that John wants us to see between King David and Jesus. Like Jesus, David was rejected by the people in favor of Absalom, crossed the Kidron to flee from danger, having been betrayed by someone close to him, and eventually followed by a hanging of the betrayer.

John skips over details covered by the Synoptic Gospels because, quite simply, His purpose in writing this gospel is to point to Jesus as the Son of God.

[2] Judas knew where the garden was, which demonstrates that Jesus was not trying to hide from those seeking His arrest. Judas was relatively confident that he would find Jesus there.

[3} Judas will now serve as a guide to those who will follow him to the garden to arrest Jesus. Without Judas, those sent to capture Jesus would have had a hard time finding Him due to the many people who were bivouacked in the area surrounding Jerusalem for the feast of Passover/Unleavened Bread.

Judas is leading a cohort of soldiers, which at full strength could be 600 men, though sometimes this term has been used of 200 or less. They were joined by the officers, the term here used by John speaking of Jewish temple guards, sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees. John by this observation points out both gentiles and Jews are playing a part in the arrest.

Why are they coming with lanterns and torches and weapons. This large group was probably gathered to make sure there was no trouble; after all, they were going to attempt to arrest a popular teacher and miracle worker, whom many welcomed into the city a few day earlier as “the King of the Jews!” They expected a battle or at least some opposition to arresting Jesus. The lanterns and torches were available to help them find Jesus in the darkness of the night. But it is interesting that Passover was held on a full moon.

However, there were caves in the nearby area, where pilgrims could find shelter from the weather during the Feast. They never expected what Jesus did as they approached.

2. Jesus steps forward to fulfill the plan of God, 18:4-9.

[4] Jesus knew the intentions of this large gathering. Instead of seeking to hide He voluntarily comes forth to meet this group and asks them who they are seeking to find. He is the one who is in charge, not those who are seeking His arrest.

[5] The answer they give is “Jesus of Nazareth” pointing to His hometown origin.

Jesus acknowledges that He is the one they seek, using the words, “I am,” the statement of deity that has been used by John throughout his gospel. The response of those who He met seems to indicate to me that this is more than just an acknowledgement of His name.

Judas is mentioned standing with them. He has chosen His side—and it was not with Jesus.

The question arises, “When did Judas kiss Jesus?” Judas was supposed to let the others know which one was Jesus; he never expected Jesus to come out and meet them, much less admit who He was.

[6] Jesus and His statement, “I am” got a reaction, one that was unexpected . . . “they drew back and fell to the ground.” Both the statement of Jesus and the response of the arresting party were culturally and biblically significant. This describes a response to Jesus’ self-revelation. The Lord has revealed Himself as Deity. The enemies of God shrank before the presence of the Almighty. Others have suggested that they were shocked that He would reveal Himself without any protection. I think personally their response fits not only the self-declaration of the Son of God, but also an demonstration of His majesty shining through His suffering. Jesus has set His heart to do the Father’s will; He is fully engaged in doing the Father’s will.

[7-8] Jesus once more asks them who they seek and they tell Him once more “Jesus of Nazareth.” He demonstrates His command of the unfolding scene by commanding this large group that has come to arrest Him to let the disciples go. This was in accord with His earlier predictions: John 6:39

John 6:39 NASB95

“This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.

John 17:12 NASB95

“While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.

Jesus, as the Great Shepherd, has stood before the enemies of God, protecting those whom the Father has given Him. but then Peter . . .

3. Jesus rebukes Peter, 18:10-11.

[10] Simon Peter, more specifically, had promised to go into battle for the Lord and to give his life in the fight, John 13 37

John 13:37 NASB95

Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.”

He was ready to wield a short sword of metal, a little longer than a dagger, to help Jesus against six hundred! That’s Peter: brash, impulsive, passionate, brave … but earthly-minded.

John is the one who not only reveals that it was Peter who drew the sword, but also the name of the servant whose right ear Peter removed. This was a dangerous time, a volatile time. It was forbidden to carry weapons on a feast day; the disciples apparently anticipated some trouble, but I do not think they anticipate such a large group coming for Jesus. the most likely scenario is that when Jesus was grabbed by the ones arresting Him, Peter came from behind and sliced the right ear from bottom to top, since there is no indication of the sword doing any other damage. This injury would have been humiliating as well as insulting. As an emissary of the high priest, representing his authority, this act would bar maimed Malchus from serving in the temple, as well as Peter having to make higher restitution of an extremity on the right side of the body, according to Jewish tradition..

[11} John does not mention the healing of Malchus; his focus is on Jesus alone and His response to Peter. Peter’s brave, but misdirected act showed that he still failed to recognize that the death of Jesus on the cross was necessary. Jesus commands Peter to sheath his sword then points out His own complete obedience to the will and plan of the Father. Jesus says in essence, “It is inconceivable that I should now, at this point, reject the Father’s will. I will drink the cup He has prepared for me!”