John 18:1-11 The betrayal of the Son of Man
Vs 1-2 The setting: brook Kidron in biblical history: 2 Samuel 15:13-23; 1 Kings 2:36-46; 2 Chron. 30:13-20
Do you see any significance in the Lord choosing this place to often pray?
Vs 3 According to John in this verse, who is leading this band of men that came out from the priests and Pharisees? Does this give you an idea that Judas's role and motive exceeds a mere 30 pieces of silver?
Vs 4 Consider the weight of Jesus's knowledge in the light of Luke 22:44. Was it the impending torture that cause great drops of blood to fall in his agony?
#2 Why did Jesus ask, "whom seek ye?"
Vs 5 How is their answer the clearest testament of unbelief they could give? And note that Judas was one with them, he stood with them.
Vs 6-10. All the major translations except the ESV & NIV have the "he" in italics. Even the interlinear shows an italicized "he". No ordinary "he" caused his captors to fall to the ground. Only an extraordinary HE would allow his captors to arise again and do their deed.
Don't miss the covenantal significance here. The mediator of the old covenant was sent by the I AM. (Ex. 3:13-14) The Mediator of the New Covenant, sent by the I AM, is the I AM. (Isa. 9:6)
Vs 8-9 Here we have John 17:12 being fulfilled, our Lord's High Priestly prayer to the Father already in effect! The language, “that the saying might be fulfilled” shows that the prayer bears at least the same weight as OT prophesy/scriptures.
Vs 10-11. Is Peter's unbelief masquerading as devoted zeal? Do we see such a thing in our own lives? Which is easier, spiritual belief and renewal, or fleshly outward zealous acts? The Pharisaical example?
#2 What was in the Father's cup that our Lord was required to drink?