The Betrayal Unfolds

John 18:1-11

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth”. 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one”. 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”.

Notes

The Lord Jesus prayed that the Father would be glorified in the Son and that the Son would receive the glory He had since the beginning. He also prayed for His apostles and all who would believe in them. He prayed that they would be united even as the Father and Son were united. The believers are united if they speak and do according to His word.

After His prayer, they went to the garden, where He usually goes with His disciples. Judas would fulfill His role in betraying Jesus. The Lord would display a little of His power, but He would yield to the soldiers and officers bought by Judas.

1. Sovereign Son

   Judas came to the garden where Jesus was. He brought along soldiers from the chief priests and the Pharisees. Jesus knew what would happen. The soldiers said that they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth. When the Lord said, I AM, they fell back due to the power of His words.

   
   1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth” (John 18:1-7).

   Application: Jesus allowed Himself to be arrested and tortured because it was the plan. Let us trust that Christ is sovereign, and whatever trials we encounter only happen because of His purpose. We can trust that His will shall unfold according to His plan.
   

2. The Good Shepherd

   Jesus protected His disciples by telling the soldiers to let them go. It was not in the plan for the disciples to suffer with Him. They would suffer as promised by the Lord. However, the Good Shepherd protected the disciples.
   
   8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one” (John 18:8-9).

   Application: Let us trust the Lord for His spiritual and physical protection. Nothing will touch us unless He permits it or commands it. However, we can also trust that whatever persecution or suffering in His name is a blessing.

3. Submission to the Father’s Plan

   Perhaps emboldened by the display of Jesus’s power, Peter swung his sword. He cut the ear of Malchus, a servant of the high priest. Jesus rebuked Peter and told him to sheath his sword because the Lord should go through suffering, dying, and rising.

   
   10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18:10-11).

   Application: Let us praise God for the suffering, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We should submit ourselves to His will and word so that what we speak and do is according to His will and word. In times of persecution or in times of peace, let us glorify Him.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What happened when Jesus said I am He? Explain.

2. What did Peter do? Why do you think he did that?

3. What was Jesus's response to Peter? Explain its significance.