John 18

We have a betrayal (Judas) contrasted with a denial (Peter). Peter, out of fear and perhaps disillusionment, refuses to acknowledge that he is one of Jesus’ disciples. We may have done that ourselves. Judas, for profit, turns Jesus over to those who want to kill him. There is a distinct difference in degree and kind. If we want to understand how this relates to us today, think of it this way: Peter falls away for a time, but he understands what he has done, he continues to follow, and ultimately is completely restored! Judas denies, betrays, and goes to his grave without any suggestion that he is restored. Judas shows that he never really understood and believed. Peter is a disciple, but Judas is a pretender.

The reason I say that Peter may be disillusioned is because he was still looking for a political and military Messiah and was itching for a fight (10)! Jesus stops him and reiterates that this is the way it has to be. Peter is most likely confused, probably disillusioned, and possibly depressed at this point. The same thing happens to us when we think God is going to act in a certain way and He doesn’t. Disciples need to make sure that they manage their expectations. God is God, and we are not!

In the midst of this we also see another indication of deity. It’s true that the Greek in verse 6 can be understood as “I am he.” But Jesus literally says, “I am.” John certainly wants us to connect that with Jesus’ other “I am” sayings, as well as John 8:58 where Jesus said, “Before Abraham came into existence, I am.” John wants us to understand that Jesus is more than a prophet, more than a teacher, and more than a man. It’s why he records the soldier’s response: “they went backward and fell to the ground.” And notice Jesus’ love and care for His disciples: “Of those whom you have given me, I have lost none.”

Consider the following points about Jesus’ trial:

• Annas was the power behind the throne!
• He was high priest from 6-15 A.D.
• He was deposed (by the Romans) and his son-in-law became high priest in 18 A.D.
• But in Jewish custom the high priest was a lifetime position.
• Many may have considered Annas the “real” high priest (Acts 4:6; Luke 3:2).
• 18:28 probably means that they wanted to be able to continue to participate in the ongoing feast, which lasted 7 days, so they wouldn’t go into the governor’s residence.
• The claim that Jesus was the “king of the Jews” was because they needed a political charge so that Rome would be willing to put Jesus to death.
• Jesus admits to being king of a spiritual kingdom. A kingdom that doesn’t fight. A kingdom of truth! That doesn’t concern Pilate at all.
• Pilate wants to let Jesus go, but the leadership shouts out that they want Barabbas (a robber, insurrectionist, and murderer) released instead.
• Peter fulfills Jesus’ prediction concerning his denial, and the call for Jesus’ death is also seen as a fulfillment of Jesus’ words.

Are the words in 18:36 prescriptive or descriptive? Do we ever fight back or take up arms? That may need to be answered personally by each one of us, but I would suggest that it was more descriptive and revolved around Jesus and His fulfillment of prophecy. I think there may be times we have to forcibly defend others now.

Thought for the day: What is truth? The truth is that we need to believe in Jesus (listen to His voice), and serve in His kingdom (which is spiritual).

John 10:27 (WEB) “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”