Jesus Is Arrested
JESUS IS ARRESTED
JOHN 18:1-11
Notice how Jesus responded to Judas’ display of force. He was calm and in complete control.
After three chapters of discourse and one of prayer, we come back now to action. But the Passion narrative in John, which we now begin to read, is different in emphasis from those of the other Gospels. Glory dominates. Even in the darkest moments there is triumph and victory. Jesus had warned his disciples about what was to happen, so that they would believe in him (13:19). He had summoned them to rise and go out to the conflict (14:31). Now, after setting the coming affliction in the context of the whole plan of God and consecrating himself and his disciples for this affliction and its consequences, he goes forth across the Kidron Valley to a garden. Judas, having been identified and sent off to do his deed quickly, had gone out into the night (13:21-30). With the inner knowledge that he had from having belonged to the Twelve, Judas takes a band of Roman troops and Jewish temple police, and goes there to find Jesus.
Because of his foreknowledge of what was to happen, Jesus takes the initiative by coming forward and asking them whom they are seeking. To the reply “Jesus of Nazareth” (his human designation) he replies, identifying himself, but in terms which probably carried overtones of his deity, “I am he” (cf. 6:20; 8:24,58)—a deduction supported by their immediate response in withdrawing and falling to the ground. When the question and answer are repeated, Jesus tells them to let the disciples go. The impetuous Peter draws his sword and cuts off the right ear of the high priest’s slave. But Jesus rebukes this worldly attempt to frustrate his drinking the cup of suffering given to him by his Father.
Notes 18:1: “a garden.” John alone describes it as such and does not name it as Gethsemane. Perhaps we are meant to see a conflict between Satan (13:27) and the Son of Man, the second Adam. 18:3: religious and secular authorities combine against him. “A band” normally means a cohort of some 600 soldiers. However, it is not necessary to presume that a force of this size was used. Lanterns and torches were unnecessary to find the Light of the World (8:12) who was no longer hiding himself (12:36; 18:4). Weapons were unnecessary against One whose kingship was not of this world (18:36). 18:4: “seek” may mean seek to kill (5:18; 7:1, etc.). 18:5: Jesus is named as a Galilean (cf. 7:52). Judas represents his own people—Judah (1:11; 4:44). 18:6: this shows Jesus in command, willingly laying down his life (10:18). 18:8: he performs the part of the Good Shepherd and gives his life for the sheep (10:10-15).