Shall I not drink the cup?

 

John 18:1-27

Key Verse 11 

“Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away!  Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

Now, Jesus’ preparation for the cross (his glory) has been completed.  We can see here Apostle John did not include Gethsemane prayer as in Synoptic gospel, which was a part of Jesus’ preparation for his glory. He was ready to lay down his life for the sinners as the Father planned. As he said in John 10:18, no one could take it from him, but he laid it down of his own accord.

1.  Read verses 1-3. When and where was Jesus’ arrested? (1)  How did Judas know this place? (2)   What role did Judas play? (3)

 

Read verses 1-3. 

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. ³ So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. 

(1) When and where was Jesus arrested? (1) 

The time: When Jesus had finished praying, he was ready.  He followed God’s time. 

The place:  An olive grove, which was on the other side of the Kidron Valley.  Olive grove, which the Synoptic gospel called Gethsemane, meaning "oil press.  John does not actually call it an olive grove (despite the NIV); he calls it a garden (kepos). John notes that Jesus' death and resurrection also took place in a garden (19:41; 20:15).  "The Passion and resurrection which effected the salvation of the world are contrasted with the Fall in the garden of Eden" (Hoskyns 1940b:604).

(2) How did Judas know this place? (2)

² Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.

(3)  What role did Judas play? (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 garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. 

He guided the soldiers and others to where Jesus and his disciples were. Judas lost his place and chose to be with the enemy of God (5) instead of  being with Jesus and his disciples.  John does not mention Judas's kiss as in Synoptic gospel (Matt 26:48, Mk 14:44,45, Luke 22:47), which would have probably taken place just before or after Jesus' question. John makes it clear that Judas was not the enabler of Jesus’ arrest but rather that Jesus will initiate and identify himself. 

2.  Read verses 4-11.  How did Jesus take an initiative in the situation? (4, 5)  How did his arresters react and why?  What was he concerned about? (8,9)  What does Peter’s reaction reveal about him? (10) How did Jesus explain his readiness to drink the cup? (11) What do you learn from Jesus?

 Read verses 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?”  “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.  ⁸ Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. 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.”^{[ HYPERLINK "http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+18&version=NIV" \l "fen-NIV-26795a" \o "See footnote a" a]  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?” 

(1) How did Jesus take an initiative in the situation? (4, 5) 

John makes it clear that Judas was not the enabler of Jesus’ arrest but rather that Jesus would identify himself. In the past, enemies had not been able to lay their hands on Jesus before (7:30, 44-45; 8:59; 10:39; 12:36), and it is not Judas's presence that now brings their success. Rather, it was the Father's will and his time.  When they say they are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus responds, I am he (v. 5, ego eimi).

How did his arresters react and why? 

They say they are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, and Jesus responds, I am he (v. 5, ego eimi). Here the most humble and human of Jesus' names is juxtaposed with the most exalted and divine. His identification has been at the heart of this Gospel, and this public act of identification produces dramatic effects. When he uses the divine I AM they drew back and fell to the ground (v. 6). People falling to the ground in the presence of God are mentioned elsewhere ( Ezek 1:28; Dan 10:9; Rev 1:17), but here the ones falling are his enemies rather than his worshipers. Here is a little preview of the moment in the future when every knee will bow to Jesus (Phil 2:10) and all things be brought into subjection to him (1 Cor 15:27; Phil 3:21).

 What was He concerned about? (8,9) 

Jesus repeats the I AM but now allows the proceedings to continue by telling them to let his followers go (aphete, an imperative). He concerned of his disciples’ safety.  He would not lose any one God gave to him (9, John 6:39). Here is Jesus as the Good Shepherd caring for his flock, a glimpse of the grace that is at work throughout the Passion as it has been throughout the ministry. 

What does Peter’s reaction reveal about him? (10)

Peter wanted to defend Jesus with force. He may have been emboldened by their having fallen to the ground. In any case, Peter's bravery is as great and as obvious as his misunderstanding. He is not at all in sync with God's will, and this isn't the first time he is out of step (cf. 13:6-9; Mt 16:22-23, Mk 8:32-33).

Peter prepared for the sword (The Synoptics tell us there were only two swords among the disciples, and we might have guessed that Peter would have one of them). But he does not go after one of the soldiers or one of the Jewish force, but rather the slave (doulos) of the high priest. He takes off the man's right ear.  John does not mention that Jesus healed the slave's ear as in other gospel (Lk 22:51), though this would account for Peter's not being arrested or killed on the spot. John does, however, add that the man's name was Malchus. John was known to the household of the high priest (v. 16) and probably knew this man and his family (v. 26).

How did Jesus explain his readiness to drink the cup? (11)

“Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away!  Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

Here, Jesus expressed his readiness or willingness to drink the cup the Father prepared for him. The image of the cup is used in the Old Testament to denote suffering (Ps 75:8) and, in particular, the wrath of God (Is 51:17; Jer 25:15-29; Rev 14:10; 16:19). John has not included the prayer of agony in the garden in which Jesus asked that, if possible, the cup be removed from him (Mt 26:39, Mk 14:36, Lk 22:42). But John includes this later reference to the cup, which reveals the conclusion of the earlier agony. "The struggle in Gethsemane is over. Jesus no longer prays that the cup . . . may pass from him". 

What do you learn from Jesus?

First, Jesus has demonstrated that he has complete power over these adversaries and his divine nature

Second, His sherpherd heart for his disciples: he took care of his disciples to the end. 

Third, the Son's humility and obedience continue to manifest the glory of God and his pattern of life with God.

3.  Read verses 12-18 and 25-27.  To whom was Jesus taken first? (12-14)   How did Peter get into the courtyard? (15,16)  How did Peter deny Jesus three times (17,18, 25-27)   Why did he disown Jesus repeatedly despite his vow? (26, 13:37)  What does it mean that the rooster crowed when he denied Jesus the third time? (27, 13:38)

 Read verses 12-18 and 25-27. 

John 18:12-18

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-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. ¹⁴ Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders 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 servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in. ¹⁷ “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she 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. 

John 18:25-27

 ²⁵ Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.”  ²⁶ One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” ²⁷ Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow. 

(1) To whom was Jesus taken first? (12-14)

According to John, Jesus was brought to Annas, who was a former high priest and a father-in-law for the current high priest, Caiaphas (12). It seems to show that Annas is a real power behind the scene.

Annas had held the office of high priest earlier (A.D. 6-15), and his influence continued through his son-in-law Caiaphas, the current high priest (v. 13) and through his five sons, who had also been high priest for various lengths of time (Josephus Antiquities of the Jews). Annas was the head of a dynasty, which probably accounts for John's reference to him as high priest (vv. 15-16, 19, 22, cf. Acts 4:6), even though John is clear that Caiaphas is the one holding that office at the time (vv. 13, 24).

 In the Synoptics, Jesus is brought first before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin and then before Pilate. Luke adds a further appearance before Herod Antipas (23:6-12).

(2) How did Peter get into the courtyard? (15, 16)

 Peter was bold enough to follow Jesus and he did not run away in spite of danger.  He tried to be faithful to his word (13:37).  He could not go into the high priest courtyard, though other disciple (presumably John) could go into the high priest’s courtyard. He had to wait outside at the door (16). The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.  Here we can see John’s eyewitness’ presence at the event.  

(3) How did Peter deny Jesus three times? (17,18, 25-27)  

First, when the servant girl on duty recognized him saying,  “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?”  he replied, “I am not.” 

Second,  ²⁵ Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.”  

Third, ²⁶ One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” ²⁷ Again Peter denied it,

(4) Why did he disown Jesus repeatedly despite his vow? (26, 13:37)

Humanly he tried to his best, but it was his human limitation and Jesus knew him better than himself (13:38).

(5)  What does it mean that the rooster crowed when he denied Jesus the third time? (27, 13:38)

Although it was hard to accept his failure, the rooster’s crow reminded him of Jesus’ word. Jesus knew him and warned him ahead of time.  In the past, he relied more on his own will power or his own skills than Jesus’ word.  When he could trust in himself, he could not completely trust in His word or Jesus.

 

4.  Read verses 19-24. What did Annas ask Jesus about? (19)  How did Jesus answer? (21)  Why did one official strike Jesus in the face? (22)  What can we learn from Jesus’ reply? (23)   

 Read verses 19-24. 

 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 slapped 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?” ²⁴ Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. 

What did Annas ask Jesus about? (19) 

 ¹⁹ Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 

Annas is beginning his interrogation. This is not an actual trial; Here there are no witnesses, no jury and no sentence. This is more like "a police interrogation of a newly arrested criminal before any formal trial procedures are begun" Annas asks Jesus about his disciples (v. 19), reflecting the Sanhedrin's earlier concern over Jesus' popularity (11:48), a popularity that can have only increased after Jesus entered Jerusalem attended by a great crowd. Indeed, some of the Pharisees said it looked like the whole world had gone after him (12:19). Annas also asks Jesus about his teaching (v. 19). 

How did Jesus answer? (21)

²¹ Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”

Annas seems to want Jesus to incriminate himself as a false prophet or at least as a false teacher But Jesus will not be trapped in this way. Jesus has already completed his public teaching regarding himself. 

Why did one official strike Jesus in the face? (22)  

Only one last statement of Jesus' teaching remains, but that is reserved for the Gentile Pilate (18:33-37; 19:11). So Jesus tells Annas to check with those who have heard him, since he has taught  openly (v. 20-21). In this way He heightens Annas' anxiety. The very fact that Jesus has spoken openly and that there are plenty of people who are familiar with his teaching is what concerns Annas. 

Why did one official strike Jesus in the face? (22) 

²² When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded

One of the officials (a "servant," hyperetes) hits Jesus and says, Is this the way you answer the high priest? (v. 22). Since Jesus is still bound there is no way for him to defend himself. The more severe abuse that Jesus suffers later before the Sanhedrin (Mt 26:67-68, Mk 14:65, Lk 22:63-65) is not recounted by John. This blow was more an insult than it was physically damaging.

 

What can we learn from Jesus’ reply? (23)   

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?” 

His reply to the servant stresses this issue of truth: If I said something wrong . . . testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?

 It highlights Jesus' dignity and boldness as well as his respect for the truth, rather than for mere office holders.

 

The End

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