Read the Passage: John 18

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: John 18

Jesus’ Arrest (18:1–11)

John 18 records the events that transpired as Jesus and His disciples departed from the upper room, crossed the Brook Kidron, and settled on the Mount of Olives. Interestingly, John omits several events from his narrative that are included in the other Gospels, including: the name of the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ three prayers to the Father, the disciples’ inability to pray without falling asleep, details about Christ’s appearance before the Sanhedrin, Herod’s questioning of Jesus, and the testimony of the two false witnesses, among several other details. John 18:1–3 reports Christ’s arrival in the garden, as well as reviewing the aforementioned disloyalty of Judas (cf. John 13:21–30). Having already betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, John writes that Judas finally arrived with “a detachment of troops and officers . . . with lanterns, torches, and weapons” (John 18:3).

Details of Jesus’ arrest are recorded in John 18:4–11. When Judas and the detachment of solders arrived, Christ asked them twice whom they were seeking. Jesus then identified Himself as the target of their search. Note that John omits the details of Judas’ kiss of Jesus. In having the soldiers identify Him as the target of their search, it is possible that Christ was emphasizing they had no reason to arrest the disciples; therefore, He asked that they be allowed to leave. Throughout His ministry, Jesus repeatedly spoken about protecting His followers. The disciples’ release at Christ’s arrest fulfilled this teaching (cf. John 6:39; 10:28; 17:12). Peter, however, was unwilling to depart without a fight. John 18:10–11 reports that Peter brandished his sword and cut off the ear of Malchus, a servant of the high priest. Yet, Jesus rebuked Peter and healed the wound that he had inflicted.

Jewish Trials (18:12–27)

By comparing the Gospel narratives, it clear that in the hours after His arrest, Jesus was tried more than once. Indeed, it appears that Christ was brought to trial before Annas, the Sanhedrin, Caiaphas, Pilate, Herod, and then Pilate again. The Gospel writers are not clear if these were six different trails, or possibly two trials (one Jewish and one Roman) with three sessions apiece. Note that no Gospel writer includes all six of these trials, or sessions, in their own account. John 18:12–27 records details about two of Jesus’ Jewish trials. First, Christ was brought before Annas, who was viewed by many Jews to be the legitimate high priest. This trial consisted of Annas asking Jesus about His doctrine (cf. John 17:19), with Jesus replying that His teaching was a matter of pubic record (cf. John 17:20–21). In this passage John also records the first of Peter’s three denials (cf. John 17:15–18).

After Jesus was tried by Annas, he was sent to be tried before Caiaphas who was the serving high priest at that time. Note that Caiaphas was Annas’ son-in-law. Recall that Caiaphas was mentioned in John’s Gospel earlier at John 11:49–52. On that occasion, after Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, Caiaphas said, “It is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish” (John 11:50). This is a telling statement, for it reveals Caiaphas knew that Jesus was innocent, yet his utilitarian conclusion was that it would be permissible to murder Christ for the so-called greater good. Here in John 18:24–27 the details of Jesus’ trial before Caiaphas are not recorded (cf. Matt. 26:57–68). However, in this passage John does report Peter’s second and third denial of Christ, as He had prophesied (cf. John 13:38).

Roman Trials (18:28–40)

John 18:28–40 narrates Jesus’ two Roman trials before Pontius Pilate. Note that of all the Gospel writers, John gives the most details about Christ’s first and second trials before Pilate. Yet, John completely omits Jesus’ trial before Herod, which occurred between his two appearance before Pilate. When the Jews brought Christ to Pilate, he inquired about their accusation against Him and received an unsatisfactory answer (cf. John 18:28–32). Pilate then interviewed Jesus, asking twice if He was King of the Jews (cf. John 18:33, 37). Christ replied that He was a King who had both servants and a Kingdom (cf. John 18:36–37). While Pilate may not have completely understood Jesus’ response, he knew that Christ was innocent of the charges against him (cf. John 18:38). Finally, after Jesus’ second trial, the release of the murderer Barabbas is reported (cf. John 18:39–40).

Application Questions:

1. Since Jesus knew that there was no hope of receiving an impartial and fair trial, why did he consent to be arrested?
2. Having seen Jesus’ supernatural abilities, did Judas really believe that Christ could be arrested apart from His will?
3. How can we best balance zeal for Jesus with obedience to His Word? Why did John omit details other writers include?
4. If believers are supposed to turn the other cheek (cf. Matt. 5:39), why did Jesus resist when he was slapped?
5. Did Pilate understand that Jesus was the Messiah? Why did Pilate ask Christ, “What is truth” (John 18:38)?