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John 18:1-11
Judas betrays the Messiah 1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. 2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. 3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. 6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. 7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. 8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: 9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. 10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. 11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? |
Margin notes:
"When Jesus had spoken these words." (18:1) - "These words" refer to the prayer (John 17:1-26) Jesus just finished in lesson 207. "The brook Cedron." (18:1) - A small stream east of Jerusalem just 6-7 feet wide, sometimes called Brook Kidron. Except for the rainy season, Cedron Brook is usually dry. When pagan idols were removed from the Temple in Jerusalem, they were destroyed and thrown into the brook (2 Kings 23:6; 23:12; 2 Chronicles 29:16; 30:14). Despite its small size, it's mentioned often in the Old Testament (2 Samuel 15:23; 1 Kings 2:37; and 15:13. "A garden." (18:1) - This was Gethsemane Garden, an olive garden located at the foot of the western slope of the Mount of Olives near Cedron Brook, two miles east of Jerusalem. Jesus and His disciples stayed there often when visiting Jerusalem (18:2). "A band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees." (18:3) - The chief priests sent Temple guards and a detachment of Roman soldiers, in case there was trouble, to arrest Jesus. They feared Jesus' followers might put up a fight. It is around midnight. Additional Note: This was not the first time the chief priests and Pharisees sent "officers" to arrest Jesus (John 7:32). "Knowing all things that should come upon him." (18:4) - Jesus knew He would be arrested, slapped, beaten, scourged, and crucified. Yet, to free mankind from sin, He went willingly to the cross. "They went backward, and fell to the ground." (18:6) - Despite their weapons and superior numbers, the arresting party felt the divine power of God, stepped back, and fell to the ground. "Let these go their way." (18:8) - Even though Peter attacked a member of their group with a sword (18:10), the soldiers obeyed the "criminal" they came to arrest and let everyone, including Peter go. Is there any doubt that Jesus could have avoided His own arrest, if He wanted? "Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none." (18:9) - Despite the hardships and persecution, Jesus didn't lose any disciples besides Judas, the son of perdition (John 17:12). "Simon Peter having a sword." (18:10) - Jesus' group had two swords (Luke 22:38). "Malcus." (18:10) - A servant to the high priest, Malcus joined the mob sent to arrest Jesus. Peter cut off his ear, but Jesus miraculously restored it (Luke 22:50-51). |