Alderwood Community Church May 17, 2009 The Passion of Christ Part 1 His Arrest and Jewish Trials John 18:1-24 Intro: The Passion of Christ. Passion is from an old Latin word which means suffering. Typically when referring to Jesus Christ is describes the sufferings of Christ from the night he was betrayed until his crucifixion. Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love. John 13:1 For three and a half years, Jesus had been watched by an official band of Jewish religious leaders whose hostility grew with each passing month. With the cunning of foxes they plotted Jesus demise. The final scenes were staged with meticulous care. An insider was contracted to help orchestrate the arrest Judas. And with a mere thirty pieces of silver the going price for a slave the betrayal was sealed. At an earlier appointed time, Judas notified the officials of Jesus whereabouts, accompanied them to the site, identified the accused with a kiss, and then got out of the way. The soldiers did the rest. As we pick up the story in John 18, the plot has reached its climax. It is late at night; Jesus has finished praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. 1. The Setting (Vrs. 1-2) 1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. A. The Time It was just after midnight when Jesus and his disciples left the upper room and began making their way to Gethsemane. (See: Chronology of Events) B. The Place - The Garden of Gethsemane The Kidron Valley is located east of Jerusalem, between the city wall and the Mount of Olives; and the Garden of Gethsemane is on the western slope of Olivet. Jesus often went to this Garden with His disciples, no doubt to rest, meditate, and pray. Jerusalem was filled with pilgrims attending the Passover, and Jesus would want to get away from the
crowded city to a private place. Notice that Jesus did not try to escape the coming suffering, he knew that Judas would come and find Him there, and He was ready. Jesus prays in the garden. Luke 22:39-46 39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, Pray that you will not fall into temptation. 41 He withdrew about a stone s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 Why are you sleeping? he asked them. Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. 2. The Arrest (Vrs. 3-12) A. Jesus is betrayed by a kiss from Judas. (v. 2-3) 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. At this point, Mark s Gospel (Mark 14:43-45) tells us that Judas kissed Jesus. 43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard. 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, Rabbi! and kissed him. Vrs. 3 a detachment of soldiers This was a tenth part of a legion, anywhere from 200 600 soldiers. During the time of the Jewish Feasts (Passover) the Roman government would bring in extra troops to keep the peace and crush any uprising or rebellion. They no doubt expected Jesus to resist arrest and brought troops to make sure he didn t escape, and to handle any mob violence that could arise with the arrest of some with Jesus popularity. B. Jesus is arrested. (v. 4-11) 4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, Who is it you want? 5 Jesus of Nazareth, they replied. I am he, Jesus said. (And Judas
the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, I am he, they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, Who is it you want? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. 8 I told you that I am he, Jesus answered. If you are looking for me, then let these men go. 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: I have not lost one of those you gave me. 10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant s name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me? Vrs. 6 they drew back and fell to the ground. Jesus responded to the soldiers by identifying himself as God by using the name for God I am. These men drew back and fell to the ground either (1) because of the power of Jesus words, literally knocked them down. Or (2) the fell down out of reverence or shock because they understood Jesus to be claiming himself to be God. In keeping with his purpose of portraying Jesus as the incarnate Son of God (John 20:31), John depicts His majesty and glory even as He is betrayed and arrested to be executed. John presents four features that demonstrate his majesty and glory: His courage, power, love and obedience. Vrs. 8-9 Notice Jesus unceasing love toward his disciples. Vrs. 11 Notice Jesus unceasing love for his enemies. And Jesus touched the man s ear and healed him. Luke 22:51 This display of divine power (miracle) should have caused them to fall down and worship, instead, with hardened hearts they still arrested him. Vrs. 11 Notice Jesus unceasing obedience to the Father s will. Jesus has been committed all along to the plan for his suffering, his brutal treatment and his execution. Jesus said in John 10:17-18 I lay down my life Jesus is not a victim or a pathetic martyr. He is God in the flesh, sacrificing himself for you and me. John 18:4 Jesus knew what was going to happen. Let that sink in. Vrs. 12 They arrested him and bound him. The text states the event matter-of-factly. But the reality behind those words was brutal. A soldier would have grabbed Jesus by His right wrist and twisted His arm behind Him, forcing His hand up between His shoulder blades. While Jesus body would have shifted upwards with His arm, the soldier would then jam his heel into Jesus right instep. The brutality was just now beginning. Notice a few things: 1. Jesus had never slept that night. While he was praying in the garden, his disciples fell asleep because they were so tired. Even though he was
incredibly tired, he never loses control. 2. Jesus responds willingly. He didn t resist his captors. C. Jesus is forsaken by His disciples. Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled. Matthew 26:56 3. The Trials (Vrs. 12-24) From this point on, Jesus is no longer free. He was bound the entire time, and jerked around through six unfair, disorderly, illegal trials that were mockeries of the judicial system of the day. No man was ever more innocent. No trials were ever more unjust. A. A Survey (See Chart: The Trials of Jesus Christ) There were six trials- three Jewish, three Roman. The charge in the Jewish trials is blasphemy; in the Roman trials, it is treason. According to Roman law, they alone had the right to administer capital punishment, which explains why Jesus was not stoned to death (Jewish capital punishment) but was crucified, which by the way, fulfilled Jesus prophecy in John 12:32-33 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. Which of course was crucifixion. B. Jewish Regulations The Jews took their legal instructions from the Mosaic Law as interpreted for them in the Talmud. According to their own laws, these trials were illegal on numerous grounds: (1) it was conducted at night, (2) it was conducted on the day before a Jewish Sabbath, (3) it was completed in one twenty-four-hour period, (4) it secured a conviction on the basis of the defendant s own confession, and (5) it concluded with a unanimous and therefore invalid verdict. C. Jewish Trials (1) Jesus is examined by Annas. (Ex-High Priest) (v. 12-23) Annas held the office of High Priest from AD 6 until AD 15, at which time the Roman governor Valerius Gratus deposed him. Under Mosaic legislation a High Priest was appointed for life. So even though the next several High Priests (five of whom were Annas sons and the High Priest at this time was Caiaphas, Annas son in law. Annas was thus the patriarch of the High Priestly family, and many considered him the real high priest. Annas by the way owned and operated the entire money changing system during Passover, and he was corrupt. And ever since Jesus turned over the money changers tables and seriously disrupted Annas business, let alone insulting him, he had a personal vendetta against Jesus.
12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13 and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-inlaw of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people. 15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest s courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. 17 You are not one of his disciples, are you? the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, I am not. 18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself. 19 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 I have spoken openly to the world, Jesus replied. I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said. 22 When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. Is this the way you answer the high priest? he demanded. 23 If I said something wrong, Jesus replied, testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me? In short, Jesus is asking for a fair trial. (2) Jesus stands before Caiaphas. (v. 24) 24 Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest. Caiaphas is the current High Priest, the weak son in law of Annas, a pawn of Rome, and equally as corrupt as Annas. Matthew 26:57-68 records this trial: 57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. 59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. (Mark 14:56 adds Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. ) Finally two came forward 61 and declared, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days. 62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you? 63 But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God. 64 Yes, it is as you say, Jesus replied. But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.
65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think? He is worthy of death, they answered. 67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68 and said, Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you? This trial is also illegal because it takes place at night, and the witnesses are false. (3) Jesus is declared guilty by the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was the supreme court of the Jews, with complete jurisdiction over all religious and theological matters. The members met in a place called the council chamber, located in the temple area. There and only there could they carry out official business. In this passage you will find no witnesses, no proven evidence, and no proper courtroom procedure. This trial is described in Luke 22:66-71 66 At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. 67 If you are the Christ, they said, tell us. Jesus answered, If I tell you, you will not believe me, 68 and if I asked you, you would not answer. 69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God. 70 They all asked, Are you then the Son of God? He replied, You are right in saying I am. 71 Then they said, Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips. 4. Application A. Consider His love and suffering for you personally! Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved [YOU] who are in the world, He now showed [YOU] the full extent of His love. John 13:1 B. Imitate Christ.
Now that I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:14-15 (1) By loving others who fail you, disappoint you, mistreat you and hate you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Eph. 5:1-2 (2) By trusting God when you suffer unfair or unjust treatment. 19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:19-23 Have friends betrayed or deserted you? Are your enemies spreading lies about you? Are you suffering injustice? If so, look to the Father. He sees, He knows. He judges righteously. Conclusion/Invitation: What Annas, Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin did during these trials of Jesus is not so different from what men and women are doing even today. Christ is proclaimed as the unique Son of God, but millions reject this while refusing to hear his defense. And there is a defense of his claim to be the Messiah, the Son of God. The greatest of all evidences that Jesus was God in the flesh was his miraculous resurrection from the dead. There is also the testimony of eyewitnesses in the Gospels and the evidence of the New Testament itself.