The Arrest of Jesus

John 18:1-11

Why does a sovereign God (we believe in a sovereign God, a God who has absolute authority over all things) allow so much darkness in the world?

Scripture is clear that God uses darkness and the wickedness of men to bring about His purpose and plan for the world, although darkness and wickedness never originate from the nature of God.

For example, the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis: sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, forgotten in prison, yet rises to second in command in all of Egypt to save God’s people from starvation.

Genesis 50:20 ““As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.”

In the New Testament, God used Paul’s life the same way. He used his imprisonment to spread the gospel. Phil. 1:12-18

Philippians 1:12–18 NASB95

Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

Why would God do that? Why would He use the darkness for His purpose? If God wanted Joseph in charge of Egypt, God could have just put Joseph in charge in Egypt. If God wanted the gospel spread and men to speak more boldly, He didn’t need Paul in prison to do that. Then why?

When is the best time to look at the stars in the sky? In the same way we see the glory of God shinning its brightest against the backdrop of evil in the world.

No where does it shine brighter than in the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus. In this passage John shows us the absolute glory of Christ. As God uses the darkness and wickedness of men for our salvation.

There are 4 ways in this passage we see the glory of Christ shine. Why is that important to us? Well, because it makes Him worthy of our praise. John shows us the glory of Christ, so that we will magnify Christ in our life.

John 18:1–11 KJV

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. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. 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. 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?

Background and Context

Who is speaking in the passage? The author John. What do we know about John?

Who is John speaking to? The churches of Asia Minor. The church today. (20:31)

When is the story taking place?

Why is John telling us this? For the glory of Christ.

It is important we point out and acknowledge, John leaves out a lot of the details the other gospel authors include. Meanwhile, adding details not mentioned by the other writers.

That is because John’s focus and purpose for writing were different. For example, notice John never mentions the suffering and agony of Jesus in the Garden.

He doesn’t mention Him sweating tear drops of blood as He prays. He doesn’t mention Him finding the disciples a sleep and pleading with them to wake up.

From the very beginning John has presented us with the deity of Jesus. He is the Son of God and the Savior of the world, and He continues to do that here.

He never portrays Jesus as a victim. He is God in the flesh and He is in control at all times, of all things.

There are 4 ways we see the glory of Christ in this passage and John intended to use them to magnify Christ in our life.

The first thing I want you to see is:

I. His Courage Vs. 1-3

John shows us the courage of Christ against a background of evil.

Notice Vs. 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.”

What did Jesus do after He spoke these words?

Who did He go there with?

The words Jesus had spoken here is probably referring to everything from Chapter 13-17. But I do specifically think John is talking about the High Priestly prayer we have just studied in chapter 17.

They left the upper room and they were walking through the streets of Jerusalem, most likely near the Temple Mount, Because that is where you would descend from Jerusalem, cross the Kidron valley and ascend the Mount of Olives.

Jesus stopped on the journey, and began to pray. He prayed for Himself, His disciples and us today. All who would come to believe through their word.

His time had come, which we know refers to the cross. Vs. 4 tells us He knew all things that were to come.

So, what we see is incredible courage.

Notice Vs. 1 tells us, “He went forth.” it is repeated in Vs. 4. These are the main verbs of the text.

It speaks of His resolve, and determination. Jesus was not a victim. He went forth, His face was like flint, pursuing His mission.

We are told He is with His disciples. They have been with Him for 3 1/2 years, but they have spent the final week of His life by His side.

From the moment He rode into Jerusalem on the back of the donkey, to celebrate the Passover, the only one to depart was the son of perdition, Judas.

The disciples are going with Him across the brook of the Kidron.

This is an important place both historically and spiritually. The Kidron valley borders Jerusalem on the East side, between the Temple Mount and the Mount of Olives.

There is a large washout referred to as a ravine, that fills up with water when it rains, so it was obviously dry when Jesus and the disciples crossed it.

This same brook of the Kidron was crossed 1000 years earlier by King David, the great ancestor of Jesus, when he had to flee from his son Absalom.

In 2 Sam. 16, He was rejected by his people and betrayed by his friend Ahithophel.

So, that story serves as a forerunner of Christ. Jesus follows in David’s footsteps rejected by His people and betrayed by a friend.

The word Kidron means mourning, and gives us the image of repentance in sackcloth and ashes. It reflects the mood of Jesus and the disciples as they cross over knowing this will be the final night of His life.

We are told they are going to a garden on the Mount of Olives. The other gospel authors tell us this is Gethsemane.

That is important because Gethsemane was an olive press garden, used to squeeze the olives to make oil. How fitting is that for Jesus who will be squeezed and pressured by the wrath of God for the salvation of the world. He will become God’s anointing oil for His people.

Notice Vs. 2, “And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.”

What does this passage tell us Judas knew?

John focuses less on the suffering of Jesus and more on His betrayal. The point here is: Jesus could have gone anywhere that night, but He choose Gethsemane because Judas new He would be there.

When Jesus went to Jerusalem in the past, He typically stayed in Bethany, with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

They were His friends. He felt at home there.

But not this time. This time He has an appointment with Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Notice Vs. 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.”

What were the two forces Judas brought with him to the garden?

What did they bring with them?

“ A band of men” refers to a Roman cohort. Only John mentions Roman soldiers coming to arrest Jesus. This could have been anywhere from 600 -200 men. And that is amazing because we don’t think of that kind of force coming to arrest Jesus.

But they didn’t come alone, they also brought the temple police with them. “Officers” from the Chief Priests and Pharisees. And they came out in force, with weapons ready to attack.

The reason John pictured Romans soldiers and Jewish officers coming to arrest Jesus, was probably to connect the responsibility of the crucifixion on both Jews and Gentiles.

John shows us the incredible courage of Jesus, in the face of evil, because He is worthy of glory.

He is showing us that even though Jesus was surrounded by wicked men and darkness, facing the most difficult moment in His life He could go forth with courage knowing God was in control.

How can we have the courage of Jesus to face any threat or opposition? (By knowing the will of God, we can move with confidence)

The next thing I want to show you in this passage is:

II. His Authority. Vs. 4-6

John shows us the authority of Christ against the background of evil.

Notice Vs. 4, “Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?”

What did Jesus know?

Again John tells us Jesus went forth. He went at them knowing their intentions. This is the omniscience of Christ.

And again John is always pointing to the deity of Jesus. The other writers picture Christ suffering and innocence.

But John never pictures Christ as passive in His account. The sacrifice of Jesus was voluntary. Early in His ministry He would withdraw from conflict but now He is meeting it head on.

He is in full control and “going forth.” He is on a mission to finish the job He started.

Why do you think Jesus asks who they are seeking? He already knows the answer doesn’t He? This is a rhetorical question and we will explain that more in a minute.

But notice John leaves out the Judas kiss? We know from the other gospel writers Judas came up to Him and kissed Him. That was His signal.

But John focuses more on Jesus and His question, because the point John is making is Jesus is in total control. The betrayer is there but his role is insignificant to Christ.

Notice Vs. 5-6, “They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.” “As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.”

What is significant about Jesus’ response?

This is a phrase John has used throughout his gospel to proclaim the deity of Christ. In the Greek this is “ego eimi.” The Old Testament name given to Moses to tell the Hebrews in Egypt who sent him.

There are at least 15 I am statements in John, but 7 of them describe Jesus metaphorically. He says, I am the bread of Life. I am the good shepherd. I am the living water. Each time Jesus is identifying Himself as God.

And notice the effect that had on the soldiers and the guards. Some scholars say they reacted that way because they were shocked by the blasphemy.

However, I can’t accept that. I could if it were just the Jews. Why would Roman soldiers fall to the ground over blasphemy of a God they didn’t believe in? They are Gentiles who don’t know the Lord.

No, the only explanation is the power and authority of Christ, and truly that is the point John wants to make. Unless Jesus willingly surrenders and lays down His life, they are not capable of taking it from Him.

John shows us the incredible authority of Christ against the backdrop of evil, because He is worthy of glory.

How should knowing Christ and His authority, help us to face the darkness of the world around us?

The next thing I want to show you in this passage is:

III. His commitment Vs. 7-9.

In these verses, John shows us the commitment of Jesus to His disciples and the plan of God. Jesus is the good shepherd always interceding for God’s people.

Notice Vs. 7-8, “Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way.”

This is the second time Jesus asks this question, knowing the answer. Only this time He is more intent on protecting the disciples than claiming authority.

Jesus gets them on record twice, saying He is the one under arrest. So, before He willingly surrenders to them, He secures the freedom of His disciples.

Not only was Jesus a good Shepherd to His people, but He was a good shepherd of God’s plan.

Notice Vs. 9, “That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.”

How many did Jesus lose of those given Him by God?

And He is not going to lose you either. This speaks of our assured salvation. Something John has focused on throughout his gospel.

John 10:28–29 “and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

So, John shows us the incredible commitment of Jesus to His disciples and the plan of God. He does it all against the backdrop of evil for the glory of God.

How can we show our commitment to Christ in a world that surrounds us with darkness. (we let our light shine)

The 4th and final thing I want to show you in this passage is:

IV. His obedience Vs. 10-11

Here John shows us the obedience of Christ to the plan of God in absolute chaos.

Notice Vs. 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.”

What did Simon Peter draw?

What was the name of the man who got his ear cut off?

John is the only gospel author to mention this man by name. That tells us this is an eye-witness account. John has personal information not known to the other writers.

But, more importantly, Peter’s outburst could have led to the death of all of the disciples right there. But John once again shows us the sovereign control of Christ as He takes over the scene.

What we learn from this passage is: fits of rage and outbursts of anger, are not a part of the will of God.

Romans 8:5–6 “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,”

Notice Vs. 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?”

What had the Father given Jesus to drink?

Throughout the gospels Jesus spoke of the cup referring to His death. In fact the other gospel writers record Him praying in the garden: “Father if it is possible, let this cup pass from me, but never the less, not my will but Your will be done.”

Other places in scripture the cup is associated with suffering the wrath of God. For example, Isaiah 51:17 “Rouse yourself! Rouse yourself! Arise, O Jerusalem, You who have drunk from the Lord’s hand the cup of His anger;”

Psalm 11:6 “Upon the wicked He will rain snares; Fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup.”

The cup Jesus would bare would be the wrath of God for the sin of the world.

How can we follow Jesus example of being commited to God while surrounded by darkness in the world?

The point is: the glory of Christ shines the brightest, when it shines into a dark world. So, as we look at the world around us and things appear to be out of control and spiraling further away from God, remember God is in control.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

We do not need to be afraid of the world, we need to have a greater fear of God that leads to a greater faith.

If we focus on the world around us we will become discouraged because we live in a world of darkness. But if we focus on Jesus and what He accomplished at the cross, we can see the glory of God dispite the darkness. We can see that he will use the darkness to accomplish His purpose for the world.