John 18

John 18 recounts the events leading to Jesus' arrest, trial, and initial mistreatment. After His prayer in Gethsemane, Jesus willingly surrenders to the authorities, demonstrating His commitment to fulfilling His mission. Betrayed by Judas and brought before the Jewish leaders, Jesus faces interrogation by the high priest. Peter, one of His closest disciples, denies knowing Him three times, fulfilling Jesus’ earlier prediction. The chapter reveals the beginning of Jesus’ journey toward the cross, illustrating His calm authority and the fear of those around Him.

John 18:1-3 (NKJV)
1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered.
2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.
3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

Jesus, after finishing His final discourse with the disciples, leads them to a familiar place of prayer. Judas, knowing this location well, brings soldiers and temple officials to arrest Jesus. This moment emphasizes Jesus’ willingness to face His fate; He does not hide, but rather goes to a place where He can easily be found.

John 18:4-6 (NKJV)
4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”
5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them.
6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

Jesus boldly steps forward, aware of what lies ahead, and identifies Himself as the one they seek. His declaration, “I am He,” causes the arresting party to momentarily draw back, an indication of His authority and divine presence. This reaction reflects the power of His words, even in a moment of submission.

John 18:7-9 (NKJV)
7 Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,”
9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”

Jesus repeats His question to confirm their intent, ensuring His disciples are not harmed in the arrest. By asking for their release, He fulfills His earlier words that none of His followers would be lost. This act highlights Jesus’ protective love and His commitment to His followers, even as He faces arrest.

John 18:10-11 (NKJV)
10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”

Peter reacts impulsively, trying to defend Jesus with violence, but Jesus rebukes him, indicating that His arrest is part of God’s plan. By telling Peter to put away the sword, Jesus reinforces His commitment to following the Father’s will, even when it involves suffering.

John 18:12-14 (NKJV)
12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him.
13 And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year.
14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

Jesus is bound and brought to Annas, who, though not the acting high priest, holds considerable influence. Caiaphas, the current high priest, had previously suggested that Jesus’ death would benefit the nation, foreshadowing the sacrificial role Jesus would fulfill. This political maneuvering reflects the leaders’ desire to eliminate Jesus without causing unrest.

John 18:15-18 (NKJV)
15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.
16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in.
17 Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.”
18 Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.

Peter, following from a distance, gains entry into the high priest’s courtyard but denies knowing Jesus when questioned. This marks the beginning of Peter’s denial, fulfilling Jesus’ earlier prediction. As Peter mingles with the servants, his fear of association with Jesus becomes evident, underscoring the growing tension and danger surrounding Jesus’ followers.

John 18:19-24 (NKJV)
19 The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.
20 Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.
21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.”
22 And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?”
23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?”
24 Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Jesus responds to questioning by emphasizing the transparency of His teachings. Despite His openness, He is struck, displaying the unjust treatment He endures. His response underscores His integrity, as He points out the unfairness of the violence against Him. This exchange reveals the hostility and lack of due process in His trial.

John 18:25-27 (NKJV)
25 Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not!”
26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?”
27 Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.

Peter’s repeated denials fulfill Jesus’ prophecy that Peter would deny Him three times. The crowing of the rooster signals the gravity of Peter’s actions, leading to his eventual remorse. Peter’s fear in the face of danger contrasts with Jesus’ steadfast courage.

John 18:28-32 (NKJV)
28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover.
29 Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”
30 They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.”
31 Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.” Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,”
32 that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.

The Jewish leaders bring Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor, early in the morning to seek a formal execution. They avoid entering the Praetorium to stay ritually pure for the Passover, revealing their concern for ceremonial cleanliness even as they pursue Jesus’ death. When Pilate asks for specific charges, they avoid direct answers, implying His guilt without evidence. Pilate, initially reluctant, suggests they handle it under their law. However, they need Roman approval to carry out the death penalty, fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy about the manner of His death—crucifixion, a Roman form of execution. This scene highlights the tension between religious strictness and the injustice they seek.

John 18:33-35 (NKJV)
33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”
35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”

Pilate questions Jesus about His claim to kingship, but Jesus turns the question back, probing whether Pilate has personal insight or is merely influenced by others. Pilate’s response reveals his detachment from Jewish affairs and hints at frustration, as he cannot understand why the Jewish leaders are so determined to have Jesus punished.

John 18:36-37 (NKJV)
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

Jesus clarifies that His kingdom is spiritual, not political, indicating that His purpose is to bear witness to the truth rather than to incite rebellion. Pilate’s question shows his curiosity, while Jesus’ answer reveals His mission to lead those who seek truth. This exchange highlights the contrast between earthly power and spiritual authority.

John 18:38 (NKJV)
38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.”

Pilate’s rhetorical question, “What is truth?” reflects his skepticism and perhaps his weariness with philosophical matters. Though he does not pursue an answer, he declares Jesus innocent, indicating he sees no reason for the charges against Him. This underscores Pilate’s ambivalence and the injustice of the proceedings.

John 18:39-40 (NKJV)
39 “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
40 Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

Attempting to avoid condemning Jesus, Pilate offers to release Him as part of the Passover tradition. However, the crowd rejects this offer, demanding the release of Barabbas, a known criminal. This choice underscores the depth of the leaders' opposition to Jesus, as they prefer a violent rebel over an innocent man who preached peace and truth.