SCRIPTURE: JOHN 18
JESUS ARRESTED (vs. 1-11)
After Jesus finished prayer, he left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. They went to the other side with an olive grove. Judas also came to the grove with a detachment of soldiers, some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus knew what was going to happen to him, so he asked them, “Who is it you want?” (v. 4). They replied, “Jesus of Nazareth” (v. 5) Jesus said, “I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go” (vs. 5-8). This would fulfill the words he had spoken: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” (v. 9). Then Simon Peter drew a sword and struck the ear of Malchus, who was the high priest’s servant. Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (v. 11)
JESUS TAKEN TO ANNAS (vs. 12-18)
The detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.
PETER’S FIRST DENIAL (vs. 15-18)
Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. The girl at the indoor asked Peter, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?|” He replied, “I am not” (vs. 17)
THE HIGH PRIEST QUESTIONS JESUS (vs. 19-24)
Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus said, “I have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews came together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.” (v. 20-21) When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded. Jesus replied, :If I said something wrong, testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me>” (v. 23) then Annas sent him still bound to Caiaphas, the high priest.
PETER’S SECOND AND THIRD DENIALS (vs. 25-27)
As Simon Peter stood around the fire warming himself, he was asked, “You are are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not” (vs. 25) One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the olive grove?” (v. 26). Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
JESUS BEFORE PILATE (vs. 26-40)
Then the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. Pilate came out and asked them what charges are they bringing against this man. They said he was a criminal. Pilate told them to judge him by their own law. But they said, “We have no right to execute anyone. So Pilate summoned Jesus and said, “Your people and your chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?” (v. 35). Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” (vs. 36). Pilate said, “You are a king, then!” . Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (v. 37). “What is truth?” Pilate asked. Then he went out and told the Jews: “I had no basis for a charge against him. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release the king of the Jews?”( v. 39). They shouted back, no, not him! Give us Barabbas!” (V. 40) Barabbas was charged with rebellion.
THOUGHTS:
When Jesus was arrested, Simon wanted to protect Jesus by pulling a sword and wounding the high priest’s servant. But Jesus rebuked him and told him to put away his sword to allow God’s plan to succeed. At times, it is tempting to take matters into our own hands. Most often, such a move leads to sin. Instead, we must trust God to work out his plan.
The “cup” refers to the suffering, isolation and death that Jesus had to endure in order to atone for the sins of the world.
Both Annas and Caiaphas were high priests. Annas was Israel’s high priest from AD 5 to 15. Caiaphas was Anna’s son-in-law appointed high priest from AD 18 to 37. According to Jewish law, the office of high priest was held for life. Many Jews still considered Annas the high priest. Although Annas retained much authority among the Jews, Caiaphas made the final decisions. Both Caiaphas and Annas were evil because they cared more about their political ambitions. They should have known the Scriptures and pointed Jesus to the people. Instead they ignored the knowledge of God to further their selfish ambition by agreeing to kill God’s son.
The high council was unjust in condemning Jesus. The disciples were unfaithful in deserting and denying Jesus. But all of us have been guilty of denying Jesus in various areas of our lives. We may keep secret our identity as believers in times of pressure. Instead of pointing to the sins of others, we must come to Jesus for forgiveness and healing.
Peter had denied Jesus three times, but Jesus forgave him. No sin is too great for Jesus to forgive. If you are truly repentant, He will forgive even the worst sins that you have committed. What is needed it is to turn from your sin and ask his pardon.
Pilate was the Roman governor who was in charged of Judea from AD 26 to 36. He was unpopular with the Jews because he had raided the Temple treasures for money to build an aqueduct. When Jesus stood before him, he found him innocent. He found many ways to deal with Jesus. First, he tried to put the responsibility on someone else. Then he tried to find a way of escape so he could release Jesus. But all his attempts failed. If you are given the authority to decide on things, do not let others make the decision.
Barabbas was a rebel against Rome, and had committed murder. However he was considered a hero among the Jews did not want to be governed by the Romans. That was why they preferred to release him instead of Jesus.