John 18:1-14 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden… I. THE APPROACH OF JUDAS (vers. 1-3). 1. To what place? Gethsemane, whither Christ had retired after leaving the city with His disciples. 2. At what time? Towards or after mid-night. The traitor had occupied the interval in mustering his regiment. 3. By whom attended? By a company of guardsmen with their chiliarch from the castle of Antonio, and a body of policemen from the Temple, the former with their swords, the latter with their batons, and both with lanterns and torches. 4. For what purpose? To apprehended Jesus. This "half army" to take a solitary prisoner from eleven men! II. THE SURRENDER OF JESUS (vers. 4-11). That Christ was not forcibly taken, but self-delivered four things attest. 1. The impotence of His assailants. As if smitten by an invisible hand they recoiled. "Thus conscience doth make cowards of us all." 2. The submission of Himself (Matthew 26:53). 3. The command to Peter, which was meant to discourage all attempts at rescue. 4. The recognition of the Father's will. III. THE SAFETY OF THE DISCIPLES (vers. 8, 9). 1. A command issued. "Let these go their way." Not a wish but an order. (1) Merciful with regard for the situation of His followers. (2) Powerful, with an authority that Caesar's legions could not resist. (3) Successful. 2. A prophecy fulfilled (ver. 12).Lessons: 1. The wickedness of the fallen heart exemplified in Judas. 2. The love of the Divine heart — pictured in Jesus. 3. The imperfection of the renewed heart — illustrated in Peter. (T. Whitelaw, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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