John 18:1-9

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered.

2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.

3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”

5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.”Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them.

6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

7 Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?”And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,”

9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”

John doesn’t mention Jesus’ agony in the garden, probably because the theme of his gospel was the Son of God — deity.

Kidron (v. 1) = (Cedron) the black torrent. David wept at Kidron (2 Samuel 15:23) when Absalom rebelled.

detachment of troops (v. 3) — Roman soldiers

officers (v. 3) — temple police.

There were perhaps several hundred of these men (Matthew 26:47), both Jews and Gentiles, perhaps in case He used His power?

Jesus met the mob (v. 4) — His hour had come. He hid on previous occasions (John 8:59; John 12:36) when His time had not yet come.

I am He (v. 6) — literally “I AM” as in John 4:26 and John 8:58. It was this very thing — His claim to be Jehovah — that drew their hatred. None could keep their feet in the face of His statement — proving that He could have easily prevented what occurred (Psalm 27:2; Philippians 2:10-11).

The crowd came to arrest Him, but He was asking the questions!

I have lost none (v. 9) — from John 6:39; 17:12. Jesus commanded the soldiers to leave the disciples alone.

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2 Responses to John 18:1-9

  1. TimS says:

    Verse 6 – This had to be terrifying and yet they still arrested Him. In this case at least, it appears that hate overcomes fear.

  2. Roger says:

    They brought an entire army to arrest one man! And then, when He spoke to them, they couldn’t even keep their feet! It sure demonstrates how much men hate God, doesn’t it.

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