Sunday school John 18:1-27

Jesus, You're Under Arrest!  - Recommendation Gospel of John on Netflix (docudrama) 

Most of us would hate the thought of being arrested and brought to trial. If we were guilty of a crime, being arrested would be humiliating. But if we were innocent, it would be devastating. Yet in what should have been a demeaning experience for Jesus, we see again his majesty and glory. Jesus uses the experiences of attack, betrayal and abandonment to demonstrate his confident trust in the Father. His calm assurance will help us face life's hurts and injustices with the same trust in the same Father.
Read John 18:1-27 

(on the board)

Themes:

Jesus & God same (John is big on the Incarnation)

Peter & Jesus opposites

Jesus: sovereign to save (friends), but willing to die (for enemies)

Jews: violence to Jesus, Jesus: peace to the Jews

In the Garden: vv 1-11
Why would Jesus go to a place where Judas knew Jesus might be found (vv. 1-3)?

Answer- He intended to be found.

18:3 – the chief priests expected resistance to Jesus’ arrest that’s why they sent armed soldiers, also they’d sent soldiers to arrest Jesus once before (John 7) & they came back empty handed the soldiers reporting, “No one ever spoke like this man!” This time they mean to get it right.

18:4 – Jesus was ready to be arrested & did not attempt to flee or escape what he knew was coming; what the Father had sent him to do. Also this verse states Jesus is omniscient like God, (all-knowing).  

• When the soldiers say they are seeking Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus replies "I am he" (lit. "I am"; v. 5). How would you explain the reaction of the soldiers falling back (v. 6)? Or why is this important? Read: Ex 3:13-22 the great I AM of the OT is God himself, Jesus is God incarnate.

18:8 – Jesus shows even here his concern for his friends even in his time of trial, asking soldiers twice, “who do you seek?” reminds the soldiers its just Jesus (not the disciples they’re after).

18:10 – Peter strikes out to defend Jesus, Luke 22 tell us additionally how Jesus heals this Jew even as he’s being unjustly arrested by him (Jesus passive, Peter violent & Jesus peace to the Jews)  

·       What did Peter do to protect Jesus? (Think: Why would he have done this?

·       In what way was Peter right or wrong?)

·       What did Jesus say to Peter and why?

18:11 – “put away your sword” this is to say, this is why I came: to be arrested, tried, killed. “The Cup” Jesus mentions is the Cup of God’s wrath which is an image used a lot in the OT from Psalms & Jeremiah. Jesus accepts his role to drink this cup of God’s wrath against sin & die for sinners.

Jesus faces Annas & Caiaphas: vs 12-14 & 19-24

The Jews’ anger was against Jesus was for calling himself God’s Son but the story changes pretty soon as they have to “trump” up treason charges to get the Romans (who could put him to put him to death as a traitor)

·       What did the high priest ask Jesus, and how did Jesus respond (vv 19-21)? (Think: What

·       point was Jesus making?)

·       What did Jesus say in response of being hit (vv 23)?

There is a laundry list of irregularities & inconsistencies based off the “Mishnah” order for Sanhedrin & Jewish law that show this was a sham trial against Jesus

            Meeting at night, death penalty decided on 1^st day of hearing or trial, false   evidence, false witnesses, Jesus a bound prisoner was assaulted by the
            “prosecution” during hearing, it was even illegal to meet on eve of the Sabbath or eve of a feast day.

Peter’s denial: vs 15 -18 & 25-27

            Who is the disciple with Peter following Jesus? John (we assume, several times   in the gospel he refers to himself without saying “me”)

·       What accusation was made against Peter and how did he respond?

·       Where was Peter standing and what was he doing there (v18)?

Peter says “I am NOT” spoke while comforting himself by the fire while Jesus (the true I AM) is uncomforted, suffering injustice & violence. Peter “the Cowardly Lion” lies to escape fear of any inclusion with Jesus or mutual embarrassment or punishment.

Applying the Word

• What can we learn from Peter's failure about being ready to stand against the world's challenges?      I like us to be the opposite of Peter, meaning both non=violent and unafraid to speak in defense of Christ.
• How will this study change the way you will face a time of testing in your own life?

Responding in Prayer

Ask God to make you ready to face difficulties with grace.