Scripture reading – John 18
Our devotional readings in the Synoptic Gospels followed Christ from His last supper (Passover) with the disciples through Judas’ betrayal and His arrest (Matthew 26:47-49; Mark 14:43-45; Luke 22:47-49). Each author brought his perspective, yet all are in harmony as they recount the trials that followed Jesus’ arrest (Matthew 26:57-27:25; Mark 14:53-15; Luke 22:54-25).
The Gospel of John complements the narratives recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. Today’s Scripture reading, John 18, chronicles Judas’ betrayal and Christ’s arrest and trials.
Christ’s Arrest in the Garden (John 18:1-12)
Jesus’ enemies had long plotted His arrest and death. Though His life and ministry had been one of love and gentleness, His enemies came the night He was betrayed with a great entourage of soldiers and officers bearing “lanterns and torches and weapons” (John 18:3).
When Jesus asked, “Who seek ye?” (John 18:4), they answered, “Jesus of Nazareth” (John 18:5). When Christ confessed, “I am he,” they could not stand in His presence (John 18:6). No man could bind Him without His consent. However, rather than flee His enemies, He submitted to their will and said, “The scriptures must be fulfilled” (Mark 14:49).
Peter, ever the daring one, drew his sword “and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus” (John 18:10). Jesus, however, commanded Peter, “Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” (John 18:11)
The Cup of Judgment (John 18:12-27)
The “cup” for which Christ prayed, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me” (Luke 22:42), was the cup of God’s judgment that He was foreordained to bear for humanity’s sins (Matthew 26:39, 42; Mark 14:36).
We noted in prior Bible studies the injustices Jesus suffered in the interrogations before Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, and that high priest’s examination of Jesus (John 18:12-14). Carrying out their lawless deeds under darkness, those religious leaders were not seeking justice nor interested in the law. Their goal was to eliminate Christ and spare their roles and authority over the people.
All the disciples fled when Christ was arrested. Peter and John, however, gathered the courage to follow those who arrested Jesus and watched as He was tried (John 18:15). John, being known to the high priest, entered the courtyard (John 18:15). Peter, however, tarried until John persuaded him to join him inside (John 18:15). Unfortunately, as he passed through the doorway, Peter was questioned if he was Christ’s disciple. He denied Him (John 18:17).
Peter was questioned a second and then a third time and denied he was a disciple and follower of Christ (John 18:18, 25-27). When he denied Jesus a third time, “immediately the cock crew” (John 18:27). Luke wrote that when Peter denied Christ the third time, “the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord… went out, and wept bitterly” (John 13:38; Luke 22:61-62).
We might be tempted to tarry and belabor Peter’s denial. However, what believer has not known the temptation to deny Christ, be silent, and fail to speak His Word?
I am comforted that a tender look of Christ would humble a man like Peter. Though boldly denying Christ, he became broken, wept, and found forgiveness. When an angel announced that Christ rose from the dead, that heavenly messenger said, “Go your way, tell His disciples and Peter” (Mark 16:7). If there was any doubt or hesitation on Peter’s part, it was removed by the knowledge that he was especially singled out to receive the news of Christ’s resurrection” (Mark 16:7).
Closing thoughts –
The balance of John 18 chronicles the abuses Christ suffered in the high priest’s court (John 18:13-27) and His arraignment before Pilate (John 18:28-40). When Pilate questioned, “What accusation bring ye against this man?” they accused Jesus of being “a malefactor” (a criminal; an evil man; John 18:30). Thus, they declared Him to be guilty of a crime that carried a penalty of death (John 18:32).
Jesus refused to answer His accusers; however, He did answer Pilate when he asked, “Art thou the King of the Jews?” (John 18:33) Jesus assured the Roman governor, “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” (John 18:36).
Pilate then declared Jesus to be innocent and said to the Jews, “I find in Him no fault at all” (John 18:38). Pilate then made a last attempt to release Jesus; however, the religious leaders stirred the people to demand a murderer and insurrectionists named Barabbas be set free (John 18:39-40; Acts 3:14).
Tomorrow’s Bible study will trace Christ’s last moments and hours before His death on the Cross.
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
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