John: Betrayal and Denial

John 18:1-27

Today, we follow Jesus as events unfold just hours before he is crucified. Let me reiterate what I’ve said before: Jesus was not a victim of circumstances. His death was not caused by religious leaders feeling threatened or because the crowds turned against him. Jesus was on a mission to become the sin-bearer and pay the penalty in full for our sins. John reminds us, in the account of the crucifixion, that Jesus knew “all that would happen to him” (John 18:4).

After the “Farewell Discourse” (John 13-17), Jesus and his disciples went to one of his favorite places to pray. To reach it, they crossed the “brook Kidron”[1] and traveled through the Kidron Valley, which is just outside Jerusalem, between the city and the Mount of Olives. Matthew and Mark identify this as an olive grove called Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36; Mark 14:32).

After Judas Iscariot coordinated with the authorities to hand Jesus over, this was the first place he looked for him. Jesus went to this spot so often that Judas expected to find him there. Judas arrived with a “band of soldiers” (John 18:3). The phrase “band of soldiers” is a translation of the Greek word speiran and means “a cohort,” a term usually referring to a group of 600 men. However, in this case, Judas was probably with a smaller number, just enough to carry out the mission. Along with the Roman soldiers, there were also officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. John notes that the group coming to arrest Jesus arrived “with lanterns and torches and weapons” (John 18:3). The NET Bible adds an interesting note here: 

Mention of the lanterns and torches suggests a detail remembered by one who was an eyewitness, but in connection with the light/darkness motif of John’s Gospel, it is a vivid reminder that it is night; the darkness has come at last (cf. 13:30).^[2]

Judas led the soldiers into the garden, and Jesus, “knowing all that would happen to him,” asked who they were looking for (John 18:4). They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth,” and Jesus replied, “I am he” (John 18:5). Then something powerful happened. Those words, “I am he,” a title used of God from the book of Exodus, caused those there to step back from Jesus and fall to the ground (John 18:6).

Consider this profound truth on display: Judas and those trying to seize Jesus fell to the ground at the sound of his name! Some dismiss this as ordinary, claiming that those near Jesus were simply surprised and stepped back, causing a chain reaction as they stumbled over the soldiers behind them. However, John reminds us here of God's supreme power over his enemies, even in the darkest moments before the cross. 

Jesus voluntarily surrendered to the soldiers, but he asked them to let his followers go unharmed. John notes that this was to fulfill the prophecy “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one” (John 18:9). 

Peter wasn’t ready to leave quietly. He was eager to fight, so he drew his sword and swung it at the high priest’s servant, Malchus, cutting off his right ear. Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18:11). Luke tells us that Jesus “touched [Malchus’] ear and healed him” (Luke 22:51). Can you imagine the impact that had on Malchus—Jesus looking into his eyes and reattaching his severed ear? Astounding!

Caiaphas was the high priest, but Jesus was first taken for a pre-trial before Annas (John 18:12-14). According to Jewish tradition, high priests served for life, but the Romans didn’t like the power such a position could wield, so they periodically appointed new high priests. Annas served as high priest from AD 6 to 15, and Caiaphas succeeded him. Eventually, Annas’ sons also served as high priests. They were known for their greed, wealth, and power. So, even though Annas was not the current high priest, he kept the title, just as we call former presidents “Mr. President.”

John 18:19-24
The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.  Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?”  Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. 

Peter and John followed Jesus to the high priest’s palace. Since Augustine (4^th century), scholars have indicated that different wings of the same palace shared a common courtyard.^[3] Through John’s connections, both disciples were able to enter the courtyard area (John 18:15-16).

It was a chilly night, and those in the courtyard were keeping warm around a charcoal fire. That’s when the situation changed for Peter. As he entered the courtyard, a servant girl asked, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He responded, “I am not” (John 18:17).

John 18:25-27
Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed. 

As Jesus was being led from the wing of the palace where Annas stayed to the wing where Caiaphas was, the soldiers took Jesus through the courtyard. Luke tells us that, just as Peter made his third denial, the rooster crowed, and Jesus turned to look directly at him.

Luke 22:61-62
And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. 

Peter was a bold, outspoken follower of Jesus—willing to confront soldiers to protect Jesus even when heavily outnumbered. Later, he confidently shared the gospel message, risking imprisonment and ultimately his life. However, those moments in the courtyard revealed a very vulnerable side of Peter. He was distraught over what he had done.

Let’s face it. Like Peter, we all have our weak moments. When that happens, it’s time to repent and get back in the game. Peter was remorseful, which led to his restoration. He became the leader of the early church and remained steadfast. Aren’t you thankful that we can also be restored to refocus on what God has called us to do? 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on John 18:1-27.  Consider Peter’s denials. How do these give you hope and confidence in your faith walk?

Talking to God:  Thank God for his forgiveness and grace. 

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