Introduction
Read - John 1: 4, 5 and 1: 9-11
We will see in Ch18 this come to the fore and reach a culmination i.e. that they did not receive him and that they chose darkness instead of the light of the World i.e. Christ.
Jesus public ministry has drawn to a close at this point and the final drama of redemption is at hand. In a sense evil is escalating and becoming more brazen - Even the manner in which John relates the events, has a dramatic feel to it as we see the scene evolve from the garden where
they arrive together but are separated by a short distance, when Jesus prays, to the distance increasing as the drama unfolds. John moves between the events happening to Christ and events following Peter and the disciples. There is a sense of the gap widening as initially Peter and another disciple (possibly John) follow Christ (at a distance as it were) but then they like Peter recede as their faith fails them.
It is also apparent that John’s gospel with its particular purpose stated in Jn 20:31, and unlike the Synoptic gospels, it is not trying to just record facts but it is laying down a narrative that would lead the reader to Christ the Redeemer– “Jesus performed many signs” in Johns presence but he did not record them all even though some are recorded in the Synoptics. We can expect therefore “gaps” in this Gospel where others have filled in.
It was Passover and so Jerusalem was filled with pilgrims and Jesus having just finished the Passover meal with his disciples, needed a place of calm and solitude to prepare himself for what lay ahead. Also, he chose a place that he knew Judas would know the place and hence be able to come and find him there.
We are going to consider John 18: 1 -27 in two portions – vs 1-14 and then 15-27. I am going to track through these sections using some Objects which occur in the text and which speak to the broader context and which gives this Gospel such penetration.
I. John 18:1-14 - THE ARREST OF JESUS (Read)
A. John 18:1 The Garden - Obedience
o Luke 22:39 – Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, to a garden there. It was his Place of solitude where it would appear he could meet with his Father. It is referred to as the Garden of Gethsemane by other writers.
• Kedron Ravine/Valley – dark place, blood from sacrifices washed into this ravine (literally that flows in winter – Wadi en Nar)
• Gethsemane – the place of the “Olive press” Place Jesus went in the week preceding. Judas knew this as a common place that Jesus went to.
• Gethsemane, the Olive press – apt place since Christ was indeed to suffer tremendous pressure that was required to delivery the Oil of healing - Salvation as it were. We are reminded of a press in Isaiah (Isa 63:3), which reflected God’s displeasure on sin and evil. Christ had to endure that for us. He alone endured the press and the glorious outcome we will find out later, is life and not death and destruction for us. (Obedience)
• There is the other garden in the Scriptures, in Genesis, where the first Adam met with God. In that garden however we find everything but obedience and submission. In that first garden, created as “good”, things went bad, as man, rebelled, disobeyed and fell under the curse of sin. Then there is a third garden later in the scriptures, we read about it in Rev 22 with the restoration of God’s good creation, in a garden city that knows no parallel as it is a garden which is not only good, not better, it is THE BEST. The same writer, John, picks up this theme in revelation and records the perfect outcome of the obedience of Christ in Gethsemane garden.
• The first Adam disobeyed in a garden, but the second Adam, Christ, was obedient, even unto death. (Phil 2:8)
B. John 18 :2-9 – The Kiss - Treachery (Luke 22:47,48)
Verse 2 - 4
• John does not record the fact that Judas approached and went and greeted Jesus with a kiss. This we find in the Synoptics (Mk 14:45 - Going at once to Jesus, Judas said “Rabbi” and kissed him. Luke 22:48 – records – “Judas are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”)
• A kiss was a sign of the totally opposite – friendship and affection – unlike what Judas used it for.
• Judas had spent 3 years with Jesus, seen the miracles, heard the teaching and was personally instructed by Jesus and professed belief. In fact it is probable that he even preached when the disciples were sent out two by two by Jesus with Jesus’ authority. (Mk 6:7-13)
• It is this man that leads the arresting group. John makes it clear that there were Roman soldiers and temple officials involved in Jesus arrest. Torches, lanterns and weapons – reminiscent of what we see in movies when a dangerous prisoner is being tracked to be caught. AND JUDAS KNEW THE PLACE AND GUIDED THIS GROUP. (TREACHERY)
• Matt 26:49 – Judas went at once and kissed Jesus. John omits this and probable sequence is that when they arrived and Jesus came out, Judas immediately went ahead
and kissed him as if to greet. The group then arrived and as required by the Roman process they had to ensure that the correct man was apprehended. Jesus stepped forward before they could act and asked or more correctly offered himself - “Who do you seek?” Let’s pause here for a moment
• Do you hear the question? That question from Jesus is heard echoing through the Gospel (John 1:38 – to the disciples following him “what/who do you want/seek” John 20:15 – to Mary at the tomb “Who is it you are looking for?) and throughout history Jesus asks mankind – What/who do you seek? The reality is that Christ’s question comes to us today saying “Who is it that you want/seek?”
Verse 5 – 9
• Vs 5 - They were looking for Jesus the Nazarene or Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus replies “Ego eimi” – I am (he).
• “I AM” here does not have the personal pronoun “he” but it is implied. Now, typically, commentators identify Seven 7 “I Am” in the Gospel of John. o Jn 6:35 – bread of life
o Jn 8:12 – light of the world
o Jn 10:17 – door
o Jn 10:11,14 – good shepherd
o Jn 11:25 – resurrection and life
o Jn 14:6 – truth and life
o Jn 15:1 – true vine
o Jn 18:5 – Jesus of Nazareth
• But as is see it there is an 8th “I Am” in Vs5 - as in pertaining to his deity/messianic – The Christ .
• The power of the “I AM” sent them reeling back and they fell over. Interesting but the same form is used of in other places when people like Job, fell down in worship of God. They could but NOT, such was the power.
• Vs 8-9 - Christ cared for his disciples to the end and satisfied his prediction in Jn 16:32, other than Judas the rest would be spared when he was apprehended. This despite Peters actions with the sword and the fact that there was a whole cohort of Roman soldiers and a commanding officer they were “allowed” to go free. Imagine, possibly a legion of Roman soldiers, mustered as it is likely that Judas indicate that there might be physical opposition to Jesus being apprehended. Then they let them go, even though it is likely that at least some of them were armed. This in itself is a miracle. (You may want to trace this thread through the scriptures from Exodus where Pharoah is called upon to let his People go)
• CHRIST’S LOVING CARE FOR HIS OWN IS NEVER FAILING – EVEN OR ESPECIALLY WHEN THINGS APPEAR DARK AND DOOM LOOMS.
This leads us onto the next symbol -
C. John 18: 10 – The Sword - Rebellion v10 (Luke 22:38)
• The first of several switches to Peter in the narrative -
• Is anyone surprised Peter had a sword? Probably more like a dagger or short sword worn on a sheath attached to a waist belt. Practically speaking it was late at night. Jerusalem was full of foreigners (and I am sure some less wholesome guys were also there) and they needed to cross the Kidron ravine/valley – a dark place.
• But in the garden was not a situation needing defence and certainly not physical violence. Christ was in complete control. He had so indicated it to the disciples previously.
• Peter had continually refused to accept Christs prediction of Christ’s imminent death. He, Peter, wanted to be in control – to fulfil his plan and will.
• In a sense, the I AM from Jesus, as he offered himself to the religious officials, initiated a separating of ways between himself and his disciples. And the form of the narrative reinforces that as it toggles between what was happening to Christ and what was happening to the disciples – especially Peter. Jesus offered the I AM and Peter the Sword.
• In some ways Peter was a representation of them all. Uncertain, fearful and taking matter into their own hands as it were). Forgetting what Christ had said to them and losing faith.
Can anyone identify with that – the pressure is on – and we fall to the ways of the old man within us. So often, Peter represents us – in that we deny by our words and our actions that we ARE NOT.
• The sword speaks to us of rebellion against God’s will. Peter still had not understood Christ’s words – both in the upper room and previously when Christ spoke about his own death and Peters denying it and not listening-or possibly able to understand.
• How did it come to this –
o Talked when he should have been listening.
o Ignored warning that he would deny Christ that evening
o Slept when he should have been praying.
Christs loving care for his disciples and for their safety is evident earlier but even more challenging it what follows -
Vs 10 – Note Christ’s compassion for his enemy – Luke records that he healed Malchus’ ear. Christ last miracle. Love your enemies echo’s Christs action here in the face of persecution and hatred.
• Amazing hardness of unconverted men – how were they blinded to the power of Christ’s I AM and the Healing of the ear?
• Even today men dull their senses to the truth hiding behind the need for a sign or miracles or only pleasant things. Sadly even in the church we can fall into that mould where comfort and happiness are the primary reason to align with Christ.
D. John 18: 11 – 14 – The CUP
We see the Amazing condescension of Christ who had the power to summon leagues of angels, yet he condescended to be treated unfairly, unjustly and in a demeaning way even though he was truly innocent. And that for us.
• In contrast to the sword, the Lord had a cup in his hand as it were. • A cup in scripture often speaks of God’s judgement and wrath. Isa 51:17; Jer 25:15ff;
• We need never fear the cup the Father hands us as Christ has drunk it before us. It has been prepared by the Father and no matter what the contents are mixed in it, it with never end the love he has for us.
Can we believe this and hold onto it. Let us not answer to quickly, or presume as Peter did since in the hour of decision, he let the cup fall.
• A whole detachment of Roman soldiers and Temple police – the ones who had fallen back onto the floor were probably the Temple officials. It is likely they had remained on the edge of the garden as backup to avoid matters escalating into a riot.
• Jesus had the power to do the same to them, but this was not some form of resistance or defence, it was just the presence of the power of God’s presence through Christ. Jesus re-affirmed who he was to ensure there was no shadow of doubt that he was available and volunteering to do their bidding – Jesus allowed them to take him.
• Submission to the cup was not a theoretical religious or spiritual thing only – it had a reality to it – Christ went to the cross – sometime it also has suffering and sacrifice for us also. Will we with Christ say “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
ii. EXAMINATION BEFORE ANNAS AND PETERS DENIAL (John 18:15-27)
E. John 18:15-18 and 25 – 27 - The Fire - Denial
I am going to step over the examination by Annas, as that flows well into next weeks narrative.
We have considered A Garden, A Kiss, A Sword, and A Cup. We will consider two more objects that help us see John’s message – A Fire and A Rooster
• Light and darkness are important ideas in John’s gospel as mentioned early on. • Fire in Scriptures is often associated with judgement from God. Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed by fire. Final judgement will be the Lake of Fire.
• Men and soldiers came to the garden with torches and lanterns to find the one who is the light of the world and did not see him but saw only what they wanted to see in their darkness.
• Note the progression – (1) Girl questions Peter anticipating a negative answer – it was an innocent enquiry to confirm his association with the other disciple. Is it not telling, that the other disciple was prepared to be associated with Jesus yet Peter, he showed shame – “I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power unto salvation” should sound in our heads when we act or say that which denies the Gospel.
• Vs 18 Responding to the weakness of the flesh (cold and dark) Peter moved toward the fire drawing closer to the very men who were condemning Christ.
• Vs 19 – Meanwhile the High Priest questioned Jesus….
• Vs 25 – Meanwhile Peter is questioned – “You are not one of his disciples are we?” More direct but still as enquiry.
• Vs 26 – A relative of the guy who had his ear cut off, challenged Peter, “Didn’t I see you in the Olive Grove?” Now that’s direct – “I see you Peter, standing by this fire warming yourself I can recognise you – Peter is exposed – you were with him!” Peter denies the third time. Three strikes!!!
• Just consider - Jesus is being interrogated with a coldness of condemnation and Peter feeling cold is making himself comfortable with the world – BUT being examined by the world. See the contrast between the response of the Son of God and Peter the man, Christ is honouring the father as he condescends to this unfair and hostile cold treatment – Peter worrying about his own comfort is exposed by his own examination to his weakness as he sidles up to the warmth of the fire.
o These scenes remind me of Isa 50:11 – Light your own fires rather than follow the Light of the World and the Word that is the lamp to our path.
• We see the drift open the gap between Christ and his path and Peter’s path. We see Peter moving away seeking the comfort of the world, with the world. In a sense he is trying to light his own way. While Christ was saying “I am”, Pete3r was saying “I am Not”!!
Amazing degree of weakness that can be found in true believers.
• Be wise to flee evil and the world’s fires of comfort. Draw to close to the world for warmth and comfort at your own peril. Take soberly the statement from Christ that in this world his followers will be hated and will endure hardship.
F. John 18:27 – A Rooster – The Judgement
It is (opera) not over till the fat Lady sings – well in this case its slightly different -
o The narrative places side by side, Christ ascending stand against evil, while Peter descends into the quagmire of failure and despair. John 13:37 &38 must have come back echoing in his mind. “I will lay down my life for you” Peter had declared – Christ responded “You will disown me three times and then the cock will crow” – and it came to pass!!
o 1 Cor 10:12 “So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall) – Be careful to live a reflective life, working out your salvation, lest we too might spurn Christ in our hearts, despite privileged presence of teaching in doctrines and theology and yet our hearts remain resistant to the life changing Gospel of Christ.
o Be equally careful to examine your heart that it is not occupied by a sin with dominion (Tuesday BS) over your heart like the love of money or authority or power or success. One broken link in the chain renders it useless, one domino can topple the whole lot.
• Do you ever hear the cock crow? (Who let the dogs out?) A rooster crowing is associated with the approach of dawn or light. For Peter there was still some darkness ahead of him before the light shone. Long hours I am sure.
• We need to Hear the roosters, repent and guard our hearts and work at not drifting away from the cup that the Lord puts before us, as we sleep through the “rooster crowing”.
• God’s grace is that Peter did hear it and became a shepherd for the early church.
He who thinks he stands must be careful lest he fall. We are called to guard our hearts and to stand as Christ did, in the face of injustice, ridicule and persecution – remain firm and be nor ashamed of Christ – the Gospel.