< John 18 >

Jesus went with his disciples to the garden of Gethsemane v.1,John 18:1XWaiting for response just outside Jerusalem, knowing all the things that were about to happen to him v.4,John 18:4XWaiting for response and soon the traitor, Judas, came with the Jewish authorities to take him into captivity. Jesus asked them who they sought v.4John 18:4XWaiting for response and when informed he declared “I am he” v.5.John 18:5XWaiting for response

Peter tried to save Jesus, and he cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant v.10.John 18:10XWaiting for response The “sword” he used was in fact a large knife used domestically, e.g. for cutting up animals for food, and not a soldier’s sword because fighting and killing are against the commandments of Christ and no disciple would carry such a weapon. Jesus miraculously replaced the man’s ear, not allowing Peter’s act to divert him from laying down his life willingly v.11.John 18:11XWaiting for response

Jesus was bound and taken to the high priest vs.12-14John 18:12-14XWaiting for response who examined him v.19John 18:19XWaiting for response but gave him no justice vs.20-24.John 18:20-24XWaiting for response After the Jews had examined Jesus they were determined to put him to death but did not have power to do so under Roman law. They took him, therefore, early in the morning, to the Roman governor v.28.John 18:28XWaiting for response Jesus was an innocent man so when the Jews were challenged by Pilate they resorted to bluster to get their own way vs.29-30,John 18:29-30XWaiting for response but Pilate would not be tricked v.31.John 18:31XWaiting for response Nevertheless, Jesus’ declaration that he was the king of the Jews brought Pilate at last to sign the warrant for his execution.

The disciples had all fled but afterwards John and Peter came to the high priest’s house v.15John 18:15XWaiting for response where Peter denied any association with Jesus vs.16-17,John 18:16-17XWaiting for response as Jesus had said he would. After Peter had denied Jesus three times, the cock crew vs.25-27John 18:25-27XWaiting for response and he remembered what Jesus had told him in advance, and he wept bitterly, but his offence was later forgiven.

The words of Jesus to Pilate concerning the kingdom are often misunderstood: v.36.John 18:36XWaiting for response This is taken to mean that Jesus’ kingdom is not of this planet, but such a meaning would deny what God has declared throughout the scriptures and involve him not keeping his promise to David, king of Israel, that the Christ would sit on his throne for ever. Jesus declared himself to be the king of the Jews and his disciples are required to believe he is, not only the Son of God, but also the king of Israel. In fact, Jesus was referring to the constitution of things in Israel at that time when the Jews rejected him: his kingdom was not of that “cosmos” (see the original word), but the time will come when his people will be willing (Psalms 110:3)Psalms 110:3XWaiting for response and a new constitution will be established in Israel appropriate to his righteous reign in Jerusalem over the nation.

When Pilate asked Jesus pointedly: “Art thou the king of the Jews?”, Jesus affirmed plainly, declaring: “Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born” v.37.John 18:37XWaiting for response Jesus reigning as king in Israel is an essential element of the truth to which he came to bear witness, and everyone that is of the truth hears his voice, and believes it v.37.John 18:37XWaiting for response Pilate did not take time to hear the truth but still tried to save Jesus vs.38-39.John 18:38-39XWaiting for response The Jews, however, preferred to save the life of a murderer rather than that of their rightful king v.40.John 18:40XWaiting for response