A Journey Through the Gospel of John” ST. JOHN 18:1-11

Christ’s Garden Experience

Beginning with chapter 18, we are embarking upon a new section of the grand book of St. John.  In St. John chapter 1, we were introduced to the prologue and the attendant events of that chapter. In St. John chapters 2-12, we were given the illustrious ministry of our blessed Lord as He ministered to those in the world.  With a close to His public ministry, we found our Lord instructing His own in St. John chapters 13-17 in view of the fact of His impending death on Calvary.  Now from chapters 18-21, the apostle of this superb book will give us the account of Jesus’ arrest, trials, death, burial and resurrection.

Each chapter of the book of John is in perfect accord with the rich character of the book, emphasizing the fact that Jesus Christ is truly and genuinely Deity (fully God).  St. John chapter 18 opens with the expression, “when Jesus had spoken these words.”  The obvious meaning of the expression suggests or refers to the Paschal Discourse and the High Priestly Prayer.  As Christ approaches Gethsemane, He does not leave His apostles in the upper room in Jerusalem, but takes them along with Him to Gethsemane.  Moreover, Gethsemane was the Saviour’s favorite place of prayer – Gethsemane being a calm and serene spot to which He frequently retired with His apostles after an exhausting day of ministry.

In verse 2, our Lord was fully acquainted with all the circumstances surrounding that horrific night, for He knew that Judas would betray Him because Judas knew that the Mount of Olives was a favorite resort spot of pray for Christ.  It was indeed marvelous to contemplate that our Lord knew that these band of men would apprehend Him (vs. 3-4).  In verse 4, our Lord raised the question, “Whom seek ye?”  He did not wait for His enemies to speak; He spoke first!  His question suggested that He was ready to be offered as man’s substitute for sin; thus He was not intimidated by the circumstances of the hour.

After Jesus raised the question in verse 4, “Whom seek ye?” to the band of men with Judas, these enemies answered – “Jesus of Nazareth” (v. 5).  Jesus answered by saying – “I am He.”  The majestic power of Christ’s “I AM” statement overwhelmed His enemies to such an extent that they fell to the ground! (v. 6)  His enemies did not have the power to apprehend Him nor take His life (St. John 10:18-19).  Showing His tender concern for His disciples in verses 8 and 9, Christ requested that His enemies would allow His disciples to leave.

The Lord is seen here protecting His sheep, fulfilling His prayer in St. John 17:12, that said:  “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.”  Having affirmed that he would die for Jesus (Matthew 26:33-35), Peter is seen trying to protect Jesus against His enemies.  In his zeal to protect Jesus, he cut off the right ear of Malchus, a servant of the high priest (v. 10).  Peter is rebuked by the Lord in his zeal to protect the Lord, for Peter did not understand God’s will.  Earlier on that same night, Christ had rebuked Peter (St. John 13:6-11).  It was certainly the Father’s will that Jesus would die as man’s substitute for sin (II Corinthians 5:21).  May God Bless!