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John Chapter Eighteen

 

John 18

The history of our Lord's last moments begins after the words that He addressed to His Father. We shall find even in this part of it the general character of that which is related in this Gospel (according to all that we have seen in it) that the events bring out the personal glory of the Lord. We have indeed the malice of man strongly characterised; but the principal object in the picture is the Son of God not the Son of man suffering under the weight of that which is come upon Him. We have not the agony in the garden. We have not the expression of His feeling Himself forsaken by God. The Jews too are put in the place of utter rejection.

The iniquity of Judas is as strongly marked here as in chapter 13. He well knew the place; for Jesus was in the habit of resorting thither with His disciples. What a thought-to choose such a place for His betrayal! What inconceivable hardness of heart! But alas! he had as it were given himself up to Satan the tool of the enemy the manifestation of his power and of his true character.

How many things had taken place in that garden! What communications from a heart filled with God's own love and seeking to make it penetrate into the narrow and too insensible hearts of His beloved disciples! But all was lost upon Judas. He comes with the agents employed by the malice of the priests and Pharisees to seize the Person of Jesus. But Jesus anticipates them. It is He who presents Himself to them. Knowing all things that should come upon Him He goes forth inquiring "Whom seek ye?" It is the Saviour the Son of God who offers Himself. They reply "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus says unto them "I am he." Judas also was there who knew Him well and knew that voice so long familiar to his ears. No one laid hands on Him: but as soon as His word echoes in their hearts as soon as that divine "I am" is heard within them they go backward and fall to the ground. Who will take Him? He had but to go away and leave them there. But He came not for this; and the time to offer Himself up was come. He asks them again therefore "Whom seek ye?" They say as before "Jesus of Nazareth." The first time the divine glory of the Person of Christ must needs display itself; and now His care for the redeemed ones. "If ye seek me " said the Lord "let these go their way"-that the word might be fulfilled "Of those whom thou hast given me I have lost none." He presents Himself as the good Shepherd giving His life for the sheep. He puts Himself before them that they may escape the danger that threatens them and that all may come upon Himself. He yields Himself up. All is His own free offering here.

Nevertheless whatever might be the divine glory that He manifested and the grace of a Saviour who was faithful to His own He acts in obedience and in the perfect calmness of an obedience that had counted the whole cost with God and that received it all from His Father's hand. When the carnal and unintelligent energy of Peter employs force to defend Him who if He would had only needed to have gone away when a word from His lips had cast down to the ground all those who came to take Him and the word that revealed to them the object of their search deprived them of all power to seize it. When Peter smites the servant Malchus Jesus takes the place of obedience. "The cup that my Father hath given me shall I not drink it?" The divine Person of Christ had been manifested; the voluntary offering of Himself had been made and that in order to protect His own; and now His perfect obedience is at the same time displayed.

The malice of a hardened heart and the want of intelligence of a carnal though sincere heart have been brought to view. Jesus has His place alone and apart. He is the Saviour. Submitting thus to man in order to accomplish the counsels and the will of God He allows them to take Him whither they would. Little of all that took place is related here. Jesus although questioned says scarcely anything of Himself. There is before both the high priest and Pontius Pilate the calm though meek superiority of One who was giving Himself: yet He is condemned only for the testimony He gave of Himself. Every one had already heard that which He taught. He challenges the authority which pursues the inquiry not officially but peacefully and morally; and when unjustly struck He remonstrates with dignity and perfect calmness while submitting to the insult. But He does not acknowledge the high priest in any way; while at the same time He does not at all oppose him. He leaves him in his moral incapacity.

The carnal weakness of Peter is manifested; as before his carnal energy.

When brought before Pilate (although because of truth confessing that He was king) the Lord acts with the same calmness and the same submission; but He questions Pilate and instructs him in such a manner that Pilate can find no fault in Him. Morally incapable however of standing at the height of that which was before him and embarrassed in presence of the divine prisoner Pilate would have delivered Him by availing himself of a custom then practised by the government of releasing a culprit to the Jews at the passover. But the uneasy indifference of a conscience which hardened as it was bowed before the presence of One who (even while thus humbled) could not but reach it did not thus escape the active malice of those who were doing the enemy's work. The Jews exclaim against the proposal which the governor's disquietude suggested and chose a robber instead of Jesus.

── John DarbySynopsis of John

 

John 18

Chapter Contents

Christ taken in the garden. (1-12) Christ before Annas and Caiaphas. (13-27) Christ before Pilate. (28-40)

Commentary on John 18:1-12

(Read John 18:1-12)

Sin began in the garden of Eden there the curse was pronounced there the Redeemer was promised; and in a garden that promised Seed entered into conflict with the old serpent. Christ was buried also in a garden. Let us when we walk in our gardens take occasion from thence to mediate on Christ's sufferings in a garden. Our Lord Jesus knowing all things that should come upon him went forth and asked Whom seek ye? When the people would have forced him to a crown he withdrew 15 but when they came to force him to a cross he offered himself; for he came into this world to suffer and went to the other world to reign. He showed plainly what he could have done; when he struck them down he could have struck them dead but he would not do so. It must have been the effect of Divine power that the officers and soldiers let the disciples go away quietly after the resistance which had been offered. Christ set us an example of meekness in sufferings and a pattern of submission to God's will in every thing that concerns us. It is but a cup a small matter. It is a cup that is given us; sufferings are gifts. It is given us by a Father who has a father's authority and does us no wrong; a father's affection and means us no hurt. From the example of our Saviour we should learn how to receive our lighter afflictions and to ask ourselves whether we ought to oppose our Father's will or to distrust his love. We were bound with the cords of our iniquities with the yoke of our transgressions. Christ being made a sin-offering for us to free us from those bonds himself submitted to be bound for us. To his bonds we owe our liberty; thus the Son makes us free.

Commentary on John 18:13-27

(Read John 18:13-27)

Simon Peter denied his Master. The particulars have been noticed in the remarks on the other Gospels. The beginning of sin is as the letting forth of water. The sin of lying is a fruitful sin; one lie needs another to support it and that another. If a call to expose ourselves to danger be clear we may hope God will enable us to honour him; if it be not we may fear that God will leave us to shame ourselves. They said nothing concerning the miracles of Jesus by which he had done so much good and which proved his doctrine. Thus the enemies of Christ whilst they quarrel with his truth wilfully shut their eyes against it. He appeals to those who heard him. The doctrine of Christ may safely appeal to all that know it and those who judge in truth bear witness to it. Our resentment of injuries must never be passionate. He reasoned with the man that did him the injury and so may we.

Commentary on John 18:28-32

(Read John 18:28-32)

It was unjust to put one to death who had done so much good therefore the Jews were willing to save themselves from reproach. Many fear the scandal of an ill thing more than the sin of it. Christ had said he should be delivered to the Gentiles and they should put him to death; hereby that saying was fulfilled. He had said that he should be crucified lifted up. If the Jews had judged him by their law he had been stoned; crucifying never was used among the Jews. It is determined concerning us though not discovered to us what death we shall die: this should free us from disquiet about that matter. Lord what when and how thou hast appointed.

Commentary on John 18:33-40

(Read John 18:33-40)

Art thou the King of the Jews? that King of the Jews who has been so long expected? Messiah the Prince; art thou he? Dost thou call thyself so and wouldest thou be thought so? Christ answered this question with another; not for evasion but that Pilate might consider what he did. He never took upon him any earthly power never were any traitorous principles or practices laid to him. Christ gave an account of the nature of his kingdom. Its nature is not worldly; it is a kingdom within men set up in their hearts and consciences; its riches spiritual its power spiritual and it glory within. Its supports are not worldly; its weapons are spiritual; it needed not nor used force to maintain and advance it nor opposed any kingdom but that of sin and Satan. Its object and design are not worldly. When Christ said I am the Truth he said in effect I am a King. He conquers by the convincing evidence of truth; he rules by the commanding power of truth. The subjects of this kingdom are those that are of the truth. Pilate put a good question he said What is truth? When we search the Scriptures and attend the ministry of the word it must be with this inquiry What is truth? and with this prayer Lead me in thy truth; into all truth. But many put this question who have not patience to preserve in their search after truth; or not humility enough to receive it. By this solemn declaration of Christ's innocence it appears that though the Lord Jesus was treated as the worst of evil-doers he never deserved such treatment. But it unfolds the design of his death; that he died as a Sacrifice for our sins. Pilate was willing to please all sides; and was governed more by worldly wisdom than by the rules of justice. Sin is a robber yet is foolishly chosen by many rather than Christ who would truly enrich us. Let us endeavour to make our accusers ashamed as Christ did; and let us beware of crucifying Christ afresh.

── Matthew HenryConcise Commentary on John

 

John 18

Verse 2

[2] And Judas also which betrayed him knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

Mark 14:43; Luke 22:47.

Verse 3

[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.

A troop of soldiers — A cohort of Roman foot.

Verse 6

[6] As soon then as he had said unto them I am he they went backward and fell to the ground.

As soon as he said I am he they went backward and fell to the ground — How amazing is it that they should renew the assault after so sensible an experience both of his power and mercy! But probably the priests among them might persuade themselves and their attendants that this also was done by Beelzebub; and that it was through the providence of God not the indulgence of Jesus that they received no farther damage.

Verse 8

[8] Jesus answered I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me let these go their way:

If ye seek me let these (my disciples) go - It was an eminent instance of his power over the spirits of men that they so far obeyed this word as not to seize even Peter when he had cut off the ear of Malchus.

Verse 9

[9] That the saying might be fulfilled which he spake Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

John 17:12.

Verse 10

[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.

Then Simon Peter — No other evangelist names him. Nor could they safely. But St. John writing after his death might do it without any such inconvenience.

Verse 13

[13] And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas which was the high priest that same year.

Annas had been high priest before his son-in-law Caiaphas. And though he had for some time resigned that office yet they paid so much regard to his age and experience that they brought Christ to Annas first. But we do not read of any thing remarkable which passed at the house of Annas; for which reason his being carried thither is omitted by the other evangelists. Matthew 26:57; Mark 14:53; Luke 22:54.

Verse 17

[17] Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith I am not.

Art thou also — As well as the others one of this man's disciples - She does not appear to have asked with any design to hurt him.

Verse 20

[20] Jesus answered him I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue and in the temple whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

I spake openly — As to the manner: continually - As to the time: in the synagogue and temple - As to the place.

In secret have I said nothing — No point of doctrine which I have not taught in public.

Verse 21

[21] Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me what I have said unto them: behold they know what I said.

Why askest thou me — Whom thou wilt not believe?

Verse 22

[22] And when he had thus spoken one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand saying Answerest thou the high priest so?

Answerest thou the high priest so? — With so little reverence?

Verse 24

[24] Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

Now Annas had sent him to Caiaphas — As is implied John 18:13.

Bound — Being still bound John 18:12.

Verse 28

[28] Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

They went not into the palace themselves lest they should be defiled — By going into a house which was not purged from leaven Deuteronomy 16:4. Matthew 27:2; Mark 15:1; Luke 23:1.

Verse 31

[31] Then said Pilate unto them Take ye him and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:

It is not lawful for us to put any man to death — The power of inflicting capital punishment had been taken from them that very year. So the sceptre was departed from Judah and transferred to the Romans.

Verse 32

[32] That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which he spake signifying what death he should die.

Signifying what death he should die — For crucifixion was not a Jewish but a Roman punishment. So that had he not been condemned by the Roman governor he could not have been crucified. John 3:14.

Verse 36

[36] Jesus answered My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world then would my servants fight that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

My kingdom is not of this world — Is not an external but a spiritual kingdom; that I might not be delivered to the Jews - Which Pilate had already attempted to do John 18:31 and afterward actually did John 19:16.

Verse 37

[37] Pilate therefore said unto him Art thou a king then? Jesus answered Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born and for this cause came I into the world that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

Thou sayest — The truth.

To this end was I born — Speaking of his human origin: his Divine was above Pilate's comprehension. Yet it is intimated in the following words I came into the world that I might witness to the truth - Which was both declared to the Jews and in the process of his passion to the princes of the Gentiles also.

Every one that is of the truth — That is a lover of it heareth my voice - A universal maxim. Every sincere lover of truth will hear him so as to understand and practise what he saith.

Verse 38

[38] Pilate saith unto him What is truth? And when he had said this he went out again unto the Jews and saith unto them I find in him no fault at all.

What is truth? — Said Pilate a courtier; perhaps meaning what signifies truth? Is that a thing worth hazarding your life for? So he left him presently to plead with the Jews for him looking upon him as an innocent but weak man.

── John WesleyExplanatory Notes on John

 

Chapter 18. Arrested and Tried

Jesus: I am
Peter: I am not

I. Arrested at Gethsemane

  1. Judas' Sinful behavior
  2. I am He
  3. Put Sword into the Sheath

II. Peter Stands to Warm Himself

  1. Regardless of the Enemy
  2. Deny Three Times
  3. Waken by the Crowing of a Rooster

III. Testify the Truth

  1. Go into and out of the Praetorium
  2. I am the Truth
  3. Ask for Barabbas
── Chih-Hsin ChangAn Outline of The New Testament