Standing Strong, Staying Unfazed | Jesus’s Arrest | John 18:1-11

Jesus arrested and Trial

18:1-11 – Arrest in Gethsemane

10-11 – Peter’s erring swordsmanship

John 18:1-11

¹When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.

²Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. ³So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

⁴Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”

⁵“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.

“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) ⁶When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

⁷Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.

⁸Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” ⁹This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”

¹⁰Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) ¹¹Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

We have come to the Passion narratives in the Gospel of John.

John 1-12: The Book of Signs. The Public Ministry of Jesus.

John 13-20: The Book of Glory. The Private Ministry of Jesus.

• Farewell discourse: John 13-18
• Passion Narratives: John 18-20

Narrative of Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, and post-resurrection appearances.

John 21: Prologue

THE PASSION AND RESURRECTION; John 13-18

This Part of the Gospel Revels God’s Sacrificial Love.

John 3:16-18

¹⁶For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

This Part of the Gospel Revels the World’s Rejection of Jesus; 1:10–11; 3:19–21.

John 1:10-11

¹⁰He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. ¹¹He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.

John 3:19-21

¹⁹This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. ²¹But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

This Part of the Gospel Reveals Jesus’ Glory.

John 1:14

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

The glory of God was in the temple at Jerusalem. Here, Jesus is revealed as the glory of God.

John 12:23-24

²³Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. ²⁴Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Jesus hinted that his glorification is through his sacrificial death.

Jesus prayed for his glorification. John 17.

John 17:1,5

Jesus Prays to Be Glorified

¹After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.

⁵And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

When we come to John 18-20, we can see the glory of Jesus revealed through his arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. What on the surface to everybody may look as if it were the darkest of all times puts the glory of Christ on majestic display.

Jesus has always exhibited total control over all people, all events, all circumstances. That control continues in His arrest, in His unjust trial, in His crucifixion, in His burial, in His resurrection, and all the way to His exaltation.

Context: They follow Him out of the upper room after the Passover meal earlier in the evening. He teaches them as they walk through Jerusalem in the darkness. They stop with Him and they hear His prayer in John 17.

John 18:1

Jesus Arrested

When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.

Jesus and his disciples celebrated the Passover meal in the upper room. Judas left after the supper.

John 13:30

As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.

Jesus prayed the high priestly prayer (Ch. 16-17). When he finished praying, they may have taken a staircase that descends from the Temple Mount to the Kidron Valley or brook. This valley would only be full of water in the winter, so crossing it in the Passover time around April would be easy. They head toward this garden (John only mentions the garden) on the Mount of Olives, a familiar place. The other gospel writers tell us it was called “the garden of Gethsemane.” It’s over the brook Kidron.

This day Jesus would not walk around the edge of the Mount of Olives into the little village of Bethany to find the familiar home of His friends. He would go rather into the garden. He knew exactly what was awaiting Him. He knew precisely what was going to happen.

On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.

This garden is made available to Jesus and his disciples by a wealthy person. It was a walled garden and Jesus and his disciples had to enter it. In John’s Gospel; the garden is the location of Jesus’ arrest with his tomb and the site of his resurrection (19:41) or perhaps allude to the seed that must die (12:24) or to the Father’s pruning (15:1). Perhaps John alludes to the reversal of the fall in the garden of Eden (Rom. 5:12-21).

John 18:2

Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.

John has repeatedly revealed the identity of the betrayer (6:64, 71; 12:4; 13:2, 11, 21-30).

John 6:70-71

⁷⁰Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” ⁷¹

(He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)

John 12:4

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected.

John 13:2

The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.

As one of the twelve, Judas knew the place where Jesus had often met his disciples.

John now reminds his audience that the most severe betrayals may come from those once considered disciples.

Betrayal or apostasy is a genuine threat to his disciples.

1 John 2:19

¹⁸Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. ¹⁹They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.

John 18:3

So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

Judas has now officially switched sides. Rather than standing with Jesus and his followers, he appears with those who would arrest Jesus. This is the final mention of Judas by John.

They came to arrest Jesus with a huge group of people: Detachment of soldiers, officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees.

John 18:12

Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus.

We have a Roman commander here. The whole force of the world came to arrest Jesus.

That those who came to arrest Jesus brought not only weapons but lanterns and torches. Passover nights are full moon nights. They expected Jesus to flee into dark corners of the olive grove, so they come prepared to chase Jesus and arrest him.

Look at the peaceful nature of Jesus in contrast with the mighty force that came to arrest him. The approaching detachment of soldiers would have been visible to Jesus and it would have been possible for Jesus to run or hide, but he did not do that.

John 18:4

Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”

Jesus is Omniscient. He knows all. He knows the end from the beginning.

We have seen John emphasize Jesus’ supernatural knowledge.

John 1:47-49

⁴⁷When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

⁴⁸“How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.

Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”

⁴⁹Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”

John 6:64

For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.

John 18:4-5

⁴Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”

⁵“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. (Identification of Jesus, origin. This is also a derogatory comment; 1:46)

“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)

I am he: He says the title ‘I am.’ This talks about his deity.

Judas the traitor was standing with the arresting forces. He is standing with the world against Jesus. Later Peter is standing with the world; 18:16, 28, 25.

John 18:6

When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

All the hundreds of them collapsed in a heap on the ground – these great, strong soldiers; these angry, hostile, aggressive temple police. The religious leaders, chief priests – they went down like dominos. This is His power.

Jesus gives the name of God. He declares His deity. All authorities and powers are literally falling backwards at the power of His name – one single, unarmed figure. And they were armed to the teeth and ready for war. He simply speaks the name of God and they collapse.

He is no victim. He has complete control over them; one word is enough.

John 18:7-8

⁷Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.

⁸Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”

Once again Jesus takes the initiative to present himself. This way he secures the safety of his disciples. By having the soldiers repeat his name, Jesus draws all attention to himself and away from his disciples.

He is saying, “You have no official warrant to arrest My disciples. I want to hear your orders: ‘Jesus the Nazarene.’” That’s a formal declaration of the warrant that they had for the arrest of Jesus. That’s their orders. Then He says, “Let these go their way. You have acknowledged twice now that you have no authority to arrest My disciples – you have none. Let the disciples go.”

They have now repeated their orders twice, and they have declared that they have no right to lay their hands on the disciples. Why is that an issue? Verse 9 explains.

John 18:9

This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”

John 6:39

And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.

John 17:12

While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

He protects them out of that love that He has for them, in a moment when if they had been taken prisoner they would have been lost.

I want you to think about that. He does not allow the disciples to be arrested and brought to trial and judgment. He protects them from that so that He will fulfill the Scripture that they will not be lost.

Had He allowed them to get arrested with him, their faith would have been completely overwhelmed. It was hard enough as it was. They scattered, and Peter denied Christ. But our Lord knew that if they were arrested and put through what He was going to be put through, their faith would struggle.

Here is a dramatic illustration of the Great High Priest, out of love, protecting His weak sheep. They’re not going to be arrested. He acts in a special, unique way. But after his resurrection and ascension, the same disciples were very bold to face arrest and hardships for being disciples of Jesus. God allowed them through that path and God’s name was glorified through their sufferings.

Jesus protects us and he will not allow anything to come to us unless it passes through the watchful eyes of Jesus

Jesus is portrayed as the good shepherd who voluntarily chooses death to save the life of his sheep; 10:11, 15, 17-18, 28.

Jesus’ Love for His Disciples is Supreme & protective.

John 18:10

Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)

Peter had a small sword concealed in his garment. It may have been illegal to carry such a weapon during Passover. Peter struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear.

Jesus showed compassion to the servant who is concerned insignificant in the 1^st Century. Jesus cared even for the servant of the high priest.

John 18:11

Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me: Cup here talks about the death, in the OT, God’s cup of wrath which evildoers will have to drink (Ps. 75:8, Isaiah 51:7, 22).

This is Jesus’ initiative. He knew everything that was going to happen, and He stepped right into it. And He had known it; He had known it since He could understand Genesis 3, Genesis 22, Isaiah 53, Zechariah 10-12. He had known it as the Son of God from all eternity. He was the Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world. Jesus here is the righteous, guiltless one taking upon himself God’s judgement by the way of substitutionary offering.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the arrest of Jesus in John 18:1-11 shows us that Jesus was fully in control, aware of everything that was about to happen, and willingly stepped into His destiny. Despite being faced with betrayal and the overwhelming force of soldiers, Jesus remained calm, authoritative, and protective of His disciples, demonstrating His sacrificial love and obedience to the Father’s will.

What we see in this arrest scene is:

His Divine Resolve. Jesus takes the initiative to step forward and willingly accept His fate, fully aware of the suffering ahead.

His Divine Power. At the mere mention of His divine name, “I AM,” the soldiers fall to the ground, showing His unmatched authority even in His arrest.

His Divine Love. He shields His disciples, ensuring they are not harmed or arrested, showing His deep care for them.

His Divine Righteousness. As the sinless Lamb, Jesus willingly accepts the cup of God’s wrath, becoming the substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of the world.

LIFE APPLICATION

Betrayal or Apostasy is a Genuine Threat to Disciples.

Even those close to Jesus, like Judas, can turn away or betray Him. As disciples today, we must guard our hearts against drifting away from faith.

Reflection: How can you remain steadfast in your commitment to Christ, even in difficult situations?

Disciples are Invited to Share in Jesus’ Sufferings.

The Passion Narrative invites Jesus’ disciples to join in his sufferings. John presents Jesus’ sacrifice immediately after his obedience to the Father and his experience of the world’s hatred as a model for disciples. Following Jesus means embracing the challenges and sufferings that come with being His disciple, just as He obediently faced the world’s hatred.

Reflection: Are you willing to endure hardship for your faith, knowing that Jesus has set the ultimate example of obedience?

Jesus Protects His Disciples.

Just as Jesus shielded His disciples during His arrest, He is actively watching over and protecting us today, ensuring we are not overwhelmed by trials.

Reflection: In what area do you need Jesus’ protection in your life, especially during moments of fear or doubt?

Jesus Knows Everything About Your Life.

Jesus’ omniscience assures us that He knows every detail of our lives, including our struggles, fears, and future.

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is aware of every aspect of your life change how you approach your current challenges? Can you commit your life to Jesus today knowing he loves you, he cares for you, and he knows everything about you.

Just as Jesus guided and protected His disciples through trials, He continues to be present in our lives, offering protection, wisdom, and love.