John 18 - Introduction

Not This Man, But Barrabas John Eighteen

Jesus went to a place where he had often been with His apostles. At this familiar place a familiar friend came to complete his betrayal of Jesus. He guided a group of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees to capture Jesus They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus boldly identified Himself to them. Concerning His apostles Jesus told these people, "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." It had been a part of Jesus' prayer that the apostles would be preserved and united. Peter attempted to defend Jesus by cutting a man's ear off with a sword. The man's name was Malchus. The Lord told Peter to put up his sword. Jesus was willing to die in our stead. Jesus was then carried from one mock trial to another. He was first brought to Annas. Later He was tried before Caiaphas, the High Priest that year. He advised that it would be good for one man to die for the people.

John gave us a look at Peter's sad denials of Jesus. Peter's first denial was "I am not one of His disciples." Later he denied a second time. Then one said that he had seen Peter with Jesus in the garden. Peter denied that also. After Peter's third denial the rooster crowed. The High Priest asked Jesus about His disciples. His reply was that He had taught people openly and that all should know about His disciples. An official slapped Jesus and rebuked Him saying, "Is this the way you answer the High Priest?" They had no right to smite Jesus because He had spoken the truth to them. Jesus was then sent to Caiaphas, the High Priest. Pilate wanted to free Jesus but he did not have the courage to do right. He asked Jesus "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus replied, "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence." (John 18:36) Pilate asked the people if they wanted to release Jesus or Barabbas. They said, "No, not him! Give us Barabbas!"