The arrest and trial of Jesus in today’ Daily Devotional on John 18 mark a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative. This chapter showcases Jesus’ foreknowledge and unwavering commitment to His divine mission. He knew the suffering and sacrifice that lay ahead, yet He chose to walk the path set before Him. This profound example prompts us to reflect on our own sense of purpose. Do we understand the path we are meant to walk? Are we prepared to follow it, even when it leads us through challenges? To learn how Jesus prayed, read the Daily Devotional on John 17.
Personal reflections on John 18 can deepen our understanding and connection to the scripture. Journals from different years provide insights into Jesus’ actions and the responses of those around Him. For instance, Jesus’ self-identification as “I am He” in verse 6 echoes God’s revelation to Moses in Exodus, underscoring His divine nature. Peter’s fluctuating courage and the Jews’ contradictory behavior highlight human weaknesses and the complexity of faith under pressure. These reflections encourage us to examine our own faith journey and responses to trials.
What Is the Main Message of John 18?
As we delve into John 18, we see Jesus’ clear sense of purpose. He declared, “For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world” (v. 37). His certainty about His mission gave Him the strength to face the cross. This chapter invites us to consider our own lives: do we know our purpose? Are we walking in it with confidence, as Jesus did? Reflecting on these questions can guide us toward a deeper understanding of our faith and the path God has set for us.
John 18 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
In John 18, the arrest and trial of Jesus begins. Jesus knew it was coming and He went anyway. Do you know your purpose? If not, do you want to? If so, are you walking in it? Please read or listen to John 18.
In 1990 (NASB), I wrote in my personal Bible reading journal, “Verse 8, Jesus’ concern for others. Verse 11, Jesus determined to walk on, even as it gets tough. Verses 15-27, Peter bold and weak as all of us. And verse 37, ‘For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world’. For what I have been born and come into the world?”
John 18:38
In 2005, I wrote, “Jesus identifies Himself as ‘I am He’, (v. 6), like God said to Moses in Exodus 3:14. They drew back and fell to the ground as they encountered God Himself. Peter struggles under pressure. We all do. The Jews didn’t enter the Praetorium, so they would not be defiled, according to verse 28, while they were harboring false accusations and murder in their hearts. Jesus says to Pilate, ‘For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth’ (v. 37). Pilate asks Jesus, ‘What is truth’ (v. 38). Many are still searching for truth. Jesus said, ‘Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth’ (John 17:17, KJV).”
In 2018, I wrote, “‘Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him’ (v. 4). He knew the scourging, crucifixion, and resurrection were coming. Glad I don’t know what’s coming in my life. Jesus identifies Himself as ‘I am’ (vv. 5, 6, 8), and men fell to the ground. John didn’t run. He followed Jesus, according to verses 15-16. That’s why he could record what happened. These Jews would not enter the governor’s headquarters so they wouldn’t be defiled, yet they are okay with arresting Jesus and asking for His death? Jesus knew His purpose, verse 37.”
Let’s take a look at John 18, beginning with verse 4, “Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, ‘Whom do you seek?’” I mentioned in one of my journals, Jesus knew what was coming. He knew the false accusations, the fake trials, the scourging, and the crucifixion, yet He went forward. Then I wrote in that journal, I’m glad I don’t know what’s coming in my life. Imagine if you knew how you would die, would you walk forward without fear? Though we might ask Jesus to reveal our future, I am not sure it is such a good idea.
What Can We Learn from John 18?
Verse 15 says, “Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest”. Who is the other disciple? John, the writer of the Gospel of John. That is why he could record the events that are happening. He was there. Think about it, he was known to the high priest, but Peter was not. So, what was John’s reputation and what was Peter’s? What is your reputation?
In John 13:37-38, Jesus and Peter were having a discussion. “Peter said to him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’Jesus answered, ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.’” Here we are five chapters later, and Peter denies Jesus three times before the rooster crows.
Peter was well-meaning. We are too, but how do we respond under pressure? At this point, Peter was not asked to give up his life, he was just asked to stand for Jesus. How do you do at work, or in your neighborhood, or with your family, when you are asked to stand for Jesus? How do you do under pressure? Peter cracked; do we?
John 18:11
Finally, Jesus knew his purpose, “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth” (v. 37). Jesus was on the path given to Him by His Father. He knew it in verse 4, when Jesus knew all that would happen to him. He knew it in verse 11, when He said to Peter, “shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” He knew in verse 32, “This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.” And He knew it in verse 37, “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth”.
Jesus could walk toward the cross with confidence because He knew His purpose, because He knew He was on the right path for His life. How about you? Do you know the purpose God has for you? Do you know if the path you are on is the correct path? Are you walking with confidence, knowing you are headed toward the will of God for your life? Jesus knew and He did. Do you know and are you doing it today? Let’s pray.
Father, this chapter in Your Word was outlined before the foundations of the earth. Everything we just read was preordained. Jesus was going to walk into Jerusalem. He was going to have a last supper with His disciples. He was going to be arrested. He was going to be falsely accused. He is on His way to the cross. There is much passion in this chapter. But we can gain great comfort in knowing, again, that You preordained this before the foundations of the earth. You knew Your Son, Your only begotten Son, would be the Lamb of God for sinners slain. Thank You for loving us so much that You gave Your only begotten Son, in whose name we pray. Amen.
