This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” John 18:9
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 18:1-11, where Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested in the garden at Gethsemane. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus goes to a place he and the disciples know well - v2. He knew all details of what would happen to Him - v4, including the betrayal by Judas, His arrest, and Peter's reaction. Jesus then asks the soldiers and temple officers (and Judas) twice the same question - vv4,7 - "whom do you seek?" Contrast this with how Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) and how many during Jesus' ministry sought Jesus - for His healing power. V8 shares how Jesus sought to fulfill scripture spoken by Him in John 17:12. Jesus does not lose any of those He adopts into His family of believers - a great promise to claim. We also see in v11 that - again - nothing can stop God's plan to die on the cross as He stuck to the plan and willingly laid down His life as the final atonement for all sin across redemptive history. Jesus' response to Peter's defensive act again shows how He stuck to the plan - His own death on the cross.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Judas' betrayal is described in more detail as he "procured" the band of soldiers and officers to arrest Jesus and stood with them - vv3,5. This group is described as acting as a unit when Jesus identifies Himself in v6 as "they drew back and fell to the ground" in response. This is curious because on one hand they arresting Jesus and on the other we see an apparent act of worship. Perhaps this was the Holy Spirit drawing them back and knocking them to the ground getting them to understand the gravity of what they are doing - arresting the Son of God as a precursor to killing Him. Peter on the other hand does not draw back but moves to prevent the arrest. We see from Luke 22:50-51 how Jesus then heals the servant struck in the ear - an act of great forgiveness and mercy to one who was seeking harm to Jesus.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): All sin is a betrayal of Jesus - seek forgiveness and reconciliation to God. Claim the promise that Jesus does not lose those He adopts into His family of believers - eternal life. Follow the example of Jesus to understand and follow God's will for your life. Do not attempt to thwart God's will.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves...thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You love and save. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
