Jesus’ Arrest

2 June 2013 PM – John 18:1-27 – Scott Childs

Introduction: The evening had been a very emotional one. Jesus shared His heart with His disciples. He taught them to wash each other’s feet humbly instead of trying to be the leader. He taught them to love one another as He loved them. He told them of His soon return to His Father and of the coming Holy Spirit, who would comfort them, teach them, and convict the world. He urged them to abide in Him like a branch in a vine so they could have His power to serve Him. The disciples listened as Jesus prayed in the upper room.

It is now late in the evening and Jesus leads his disciples to the place where He knew He would soon be arrested.

Transition: As we examine Jesus’ arrest, I want to point out several proper responses we should have during trials.

I.              Jesus in the Garden (1-12)

A.     Jesus and the disciples went to the garden

1.      Jesus crossed the valley and up into the garden.

2.      The other gospels tell us they went to the Mount of Olives. Matthew and Mark include that they first sang a song.

They synoptic gospels (Mt, Mk, Lu) include here the prayer of Jesus in the garden. For some unknown reason, John left this event out of his gospel.

B.     Jesus is arrested

1.      Judas knew the place (2). He received a band of soldiers and officers and came to the garden with lights and weapons (3).

a)      The band of Romans soldiers may have been as many as 600, though the whole band may not have been send.

b)      The officers were the Jewish temple police.

Peter Pett – Had the ‘Romans’ been performing the arrest they would not have allowed the Temple police to take such a prominent part. Thus it is clear that the Temple police were there to make the arrest and the ‘Romans’ were there as a precaution against trouble.

2.      John emphasises Jesus’ deity when he said He knew all things (4). They Jesus actually went and faced the soldiers.

The synoptic gospels tell us that Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Can you imagine such treachery?

3.      When Jesus asked the soldiers whom they were seeking, they said Jesus of Nazareth (4-8). When he said, “I am he”, they fell to the ground. This again highlights his deity.

4.      Peter drew his sword to defend Jesus and cut off Malchus’ ear.

a)      This was a rash and foolish act when surrounded by armed soldiers.

b)      Jesus gently rebuked Peter for his action.

Luke (the doctor) tells us that Jesus touched and healed Malchus’ ear (Lu 22:51).

Matthew includes Jesus ability to call for angelic help.

Matthew 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

5.      The soldiers and temple police bound Jesus.

Jesus did not resist arrest because He knew it was necessary to fulfil Scripture and to complete His atonement mission. Even in this dark hour, Jesus’ deity shines forth. Jesus is God! He humbly stepped forward to pay the debt of our sin. When we face conflicts, if we would humble ourselves instead of demanding our rights, we would be much happier and a better testimony for Christ. If you argue and fight to get your way, you may win the battle but you will lose the war. Life is not about us. It is about glorifying God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

II.            Jesus before Annas (13-23)

A.     Annas was the former high priest

1.      Annas was the unofficial high priest.

Bob Utley tells us, “Annas was the power behind the throne. He reigned from a.d. 6 to 15. He was immediately followed by his son-in-law and later his five sons and a grandson.”

2.      Note that John reminds us that Jesus is still bound. Centuries earlier, Samson, empowered by the Spirit of God, could not be bound. Here, God the Son submits to being bound. What humility!

3.      Peter denied Jesus the first time.

a)      Peter was not as strong as he thought he was, but he was more brave than most of the disciples. John knew the high priest and was invited into the courtroom. Peter stood outside at the door until John was able to get him inside (16).

b)      He denied before the maid at the door of the courtroom (17).

c)      Peter loved Jesus and wanted to see what was happening, so he stayed close and warmed himself by the fire with the servants and temple police.

We must admire Peter for his courage to enter the courtroom. Being a disciple of Jesus, his life was also in danger. Peter did not run from this trying situation, but faced it with a degree of courage. In the same way, we must not run from our problems and deny they exist.

B.     Annas questioned Jesus (19-23)

1.      He asked Jesus about two things:

a)      He asked first about his disciples. Jesus ignored this question.

b)      He asked second about his doctrine. Jesus said that He had done nothing in secret and they should ask those who heard Him.

2.      One of the temple police slapped Jesus for not answering the question directly (22).

3.      Jesus defended His answer and rebuked the officer for slapping Him (23).

III.           Jesus before Caiaphas (24-27)

A.     Caiaphas is the present high priest

1.      Jesus is still submissively bound.

2.      Peter denied Christ two more times.

a)      He denied while keeping warm by the fire (25).

b)      He denied before a relative of Malchus (26-27).

It is easy among godly friends to say that we will not deny Jesus, but in times of testing or fear, standing for Jesus becomes difficult. Denying Jesus is not just saying “I DO NOT KNOW JESUS”. We also deny Him with our sinful actions and words. For example, angry outbursts, cursing, unkind words, an unforgiving spirit, lying, cheating, disobedience, rebellion, or gossip deny that Christ has changed our lives.

3.      The synoptic gospels tell us that after his denial, Peter went out and wept bitterly.

This is a great lesson for us. Peter had just strongly denied the Lord he loved and it broke his heart. If we will be broken when we deny Christ openly or by our shameful actions, God will forgive us and again be able to use us for His glory.

Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

B.     The synoptic gospels cover Caiaphas’ questions

1.      The religious leaders hire false witnesses to testify against Jesus.

2.      When asked if he is the Christ, the Son of the Blessed, Jesus said “Yes”.

3.      They accuse Him of blasphemy and condemn Him to death.

Conclusion: Jesus faced a tremendous trial. Peter faced a shameful trial. Jesus was victorious. Peter fell on his face. From both of these examples, we have found principles to help us as we face trials. We should be humble instead of demanding our rights. We must not run from our problems and pretend they do not exist. We must be careful not to deny Christ by responding in sinful ways to our trials. If you have denied Christ, God will forgive you if you will be broken over your sin and seek His cleansing.

Song: Lord, I’m Coming Home – 253