Gospel of St. John
The Garden – 18:1-11
“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. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus oft-times resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.” John’s Gospel was the last of the four in the New Testament. He did not cover the details of Jesus praying in the Garden because the other three covered the subject. Instead, He chose to record those actions that displayed Jesus’ divinity. Jesus chose the garden because he used it frequently and Judas was aware of it as well. Judas was given a detachment of Roman soldiers, probably four to five hundred men. Luke indicates that the chief priests, captains of the temple and elders also came with the mob. Instead of seeking the Light of God; they came at night with lanterns and torches.
“Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus indicated his control of the situation by speaking first. In effect, He formally surrendered to them instead of being taken by force. They sought Jesus of Nazareth instead of Jesus the Christ. When He answered “I am he” they fell backward. A mob of five hundred was laid on their backs in response to his words, “I am.” When Jesus spoke those words to the woman at the well, she recognized him as the Christ. When He spoke them to the disciples in the storm, they were comforted and welcomed him into the ship. In this case it was different. There was no reception of him at all. They were immune to his teaching and determined to preserve their pride.
“Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” Jesus said he would not lose any of his disciples and here he enforced his will against that of the mob. The mob was more than enough to capture in all his disciples but they let them go. After Judas’ betraying kiss, the mob laid hands on Jesus. Peter was undoubtedly trying to slay the servant of Caiaphas but no one ever died in Jesus’ presence. Even the ear was restored to the servant by Jesus. Again, Jesus is showing that he is laying down his life as opposed to having it taken. He chose to drink of the cup given him by the Father.
Annas – 18:12-27
“Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. Now Caiaphas was he which gave counsel to the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. And Simon Peter Followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not. And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.” Annas and Caiaphas were both high priests. The Romans elected a high priest for Israel each year. Caiaphas was the currently elected high priest and Annas was actually his father-in-law. Jewish law stated the high priest holds his office until his death. In the eyes of the Jews, Annas was the real high priest. Caiaphas was acknowledged in civic matters but Annas took precedence in ecclesiastical matters. Caiaphas was also the one who told the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. We do not know the identity of the other disciple who accompanied Peter, but he was witness to Peter’s first denial of Christ. Peter then stood with the enemies of Christ and warmed himself.
“The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? Ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold they know what I said. And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.” Annas asked Jesus about his disciples and his doctrine. He wanted to know how many disciples and how they were attracted to his cause. He would prefer to destroy the disciples with their master. Jesus ignored the request about his disciples but responded about his teachings. He taught openly in the synagogue and in the temple. Many Jews heard him teach. They could clearly provide witness to his teaching. Jesus showed that they had no real charges against Him. Their concern was to prevent any further teaching that might threaten their position in the leadership of the nation.
When Jesus asked why they were asking him, he made reference to the fact that they had no charge with which to punish him. They were simply searching for an errant statement they could use to get rid of him. The King James Version states that Jesus was struck with the palm of his hand. The Greek word used signifies “gave a blow on the face.” Many believe it was with a rod. “They shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.” (Micah 5:1) The first blow received by Jesus came not from one of the Roman soldiers but from a Jew, an officer of the temple. So Annas sent Jesus on to Caiaphas.
“And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.” John interrupts the interrogation by the high priests and returns to Peter, who is standing with Jesus’ enemies warming himself. Like us, Peter was more concerned with warming his body than saving his soul. He was certainly listening to blasphemous talk about his master. He was too timid to speak up and witness for all the things Jesus did and taught. The light of the fire undoubtedly lit up his face and allowed them to recognize him. He denied being one of Jesus’ disciples a second time.
A kinsman of the servant whose ear was cut off by Peter asked yet again if he did not see him in the garden with Jesus. Peter denied Jesus yet again and the cock crew. Of all the disciples, Peter would be the most unlikely to suffer a failure of courage. Peter surely showed courage when he drew a sword to defend Christ. If he had been bound and brought to trial with Jesus, his courage would have remained intact. Like most of our trials, the attacks are not straight forward and direct. He was confused by Jesus’ submission to the mob. There was no formal challenge that gave him time to choose his ground and defense. He was given a sudden blow to which he was forced to respond without preparation. There are many lessons to be learned from Peter’s experience:
Ø By himself, the believer is as weak as water.
Ø There is great danger in self-confidence.
Ø There are consequences for prayerlessness.
Ø There are perils in the association with the wicked.
Ø The fear of man is disastrous.
Ø Friends can fail us in the eleventh hour.
Peter fell shamefully and only rose again after heartfelt repentance and bitter tears. But he did rise again and he was not cast off forevermore. No doubt he rose a wiser and better man.