Bible Commentaries
John 18

Verse 1

John 18:1

Jesus had finished the prayer recorded in the previous chapter (see notes on John 17:1). After the prayer, He took His disciples to the Mount of Olives, in the Garden of Gethsemane (see notes on John 8:1), to pray (Matthew 26:36, Mark 14:32, Luke 22:39-46) and wait for Judas (Matthew 26:47-50, Mark 14:43-46, Luke 22:47-48, John 18:2-8, Acts 1:16).

Along the way, they had to cross over the brook Cedron. The word “Cedron” is from the Hebrew word Kidron ^H6937. This verse is the only place we find Cedron, but Kidron is used in ten different verses. The base definition of the word is, “to be ashy, that is, dark colored; by implication to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments): - be black (-ish), be (make) dark (-en), X heavily, (cause to) mourn.”

Why would John mention that Jesus crossed Cedron? Is there some significance to the event? I think so.

When Jesus passed over the brook, He knew the time for death had come (1 Kings 2:37). The Lamb of God (John 1:29, John 1:36), without blemish or spot (1 Peter 1:19), was about to be blackened with the sins of the world. Lambs were sacrificed in the temple. We are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 1 Corinthians 6:19, 2 Corinthians 6:16). The sacrifice of our High Priest, Jesus (Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:14-15, Hebrews 5:1, Hebrews 5:9-10, Hebrews 6:20, Hebrews 7:22-29, Hebrews 8:1-10, Hebrews 9:6-28, Hebrews 10:20-22, Hebrews 13:9-15), allows us the opportunity to have the Spirit of God come into us and take our sins away. All of this, and the association with Kidron, were prophetically pictured in 2 Chronicles 29:16. We were blackened with sin, but His blood washes us white as snow (Isaiah 1:18, Ephesians 2:13, Hebrews 10:19, Revelation 1:5, Revelation 7:14).

Also note that David crossed the same brook on his way to the Mount of Olives weeping over the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:30). We were in rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 31:27, Joshua 22:22, 1 Samuel 15:23, Proverbs 17:11, Romans 5:10, Romans 8:7, Ephesians 2:12), and Jesus felt sorrow over us (Job 6:2-4, Psalms 88:1-3, Psalms 116:3, Isaiah 53:3, Isaiah 53:10, Matthew 26:38). Continually, one can see the Old Testament indeed testifying of Jesus.

Additionally notice, since one man’s fall occurred in a garden and brought sin upon all mankind through seeking fleshly and soulish gain for himself, it is fitting that another man should face the task in a garden of taking away all the sins of mankind upon himself seeking spiritual gain for everyone else. See how God sets everything right again.

Verse 2

John 18:2

See notes on John 8:1.

John explained how it was that Judas figured out where Jesus could be found.

Verse 3

John 18:3

Notice how the Jews (see notes on John 1:19) left the ugly business of Jesus’ arrest to one of Jesus’ own disciples. They empowered Judas with not only the authority to serve the warrant, but with an armed escort that gave him force enough to carry out the task. The “band of men and officers” were his gun in the holster that would ensure less resistance.

They came into the garden “with lanterns and torches and weapons.” It was the proverbial angry villagers coming to capture the “monster.” It was the grossest absurdity.

Verse 4

John 18:4

Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen next, but He proceeded through the mission anyway, as the Father had willed it (Luke 22:42). Just as David ran towards the giant (1 Samuel 17:48), Jesus didn’t run from the call. He went forward towards His purpose.

As we see from John 1:38, the first words John recorded from Jesus were in the form of a question, “What seek ye?” From the beginning of His Earthly ministry to the beginning of the end of it, Jesus was in the business of asking people to consider their direction. What are you after? What is it you want? Who are you following? Are you running from your purpose or towards it? When David considered his ways, He turned to God (Psalms 119:59).

Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen next, but He proceeded through the mission anyway, as the Father had willed it (Luke 22:42). Just as David ran towards the giant (1 Samuel 17:48), Jesus didn’t run from the call. He went forward towards His purpose.

Verse 5

John 18:5

When the Holy Spirit asks us to consider our ways, and what is it that we are after, we need to answer, “Jesus of Nazareth.” These lost souls knew the right answer, but they sought Him for the wrong reason. Even now, people come looking for Jesus as a source of something other than salvation. They want something other than God and God alone, but it is God alone that is the true source of everything. He is the great I Am (Exodus 3:13-14), and Jesus answered them with the same words He had spoken to Moses.

John told us that Judas didn’t leave after finding Jesus in the garden. We know, from the other gospels, that Judas had one last thing to do; approach Jesus and kiss Him (Matthew 26:47-49, Mark 14:43-45, Luke 22:47-48).

Verse 6

John 18:6

Many Christians still debate whether being “slain in the spirit” is Biblically supported. Were there documented cases of people “falling out” backwards under the power and anointing of God in the Bible? Charismatic meetings report such instances occurring today, and others don’t believe that God works that way in the church.

Although I personally have as yet to enjoy such an experience, John documented a case of an entire “band of men” that were pushed “backward, and fell to the ground” having encountered the incredible power of our Lord’s presence.

Be careful not to dismiss or speak evil of those things that may indeed be driven by the Holy Ghost (Mark 3:22-30). Why risk speaking offensively about the Holy Spirit of God (Matthew 12:31-32, Luke 12:10)?

Verse 7

John 18:7

They were on the ground, stunned, and under the incredible influence of God’s incomparable presence. Jesus could have simply turned and walked away. The band of men was powerless to stop Him. However, Jesus allowed them to shake off the effects of His anointed person (John 18:6) and mentally regain their original intent by repeating His question (John 18:4).

Verse 8

John 18:8

While the “band of men” (John 18:3) were still affected (see notes on John 18:7), Jesus suggested that they take Him and let His disciples go. This thought was so profoundly planted into their thinking that they did let the disciples go (Matthew 26:56, Mark 14:50), despite one disciple’s attempted murder of a legally appointed officer of the authorities (John 18:10).

Verse 9

John 18:9

Jesus had given His concerns about His own torture and death over to the Father (Matthew 26:39, Mark 14:36, Luke 22:42). Death eventually comes for us all, but there was a prophetic request (John 17:9-11) in Jesus’ prayer (see notes on John 17:1) that the Father preserve the apostles while Jesus remained upon the Earth (see notes on John 17:12). Instead of worrying about Himself, Jesus was protective of His disciples.

Verse 10

John 18:10

Peter had a sword with him, but so did noticeably one of the other disciples (Luke 22:38, Luke 22:49). Jesus actually wanted the group to have at least one sword (Luke 22:36), perhaps so that some lessons could be taught. The first, that to sow by slashing results in reaping slashes (Matthew 26:52). Secondly, to illustrate through real-life drama a picture of what He was about to do.

Notice John’s omission of Jesus healing Malchus (Luke 22:50-51), but his inclusion of the servant’s name. To John, the servant’s name was more important than the incredible healing performed right in front of the officers (John 18:3) that had come to arrest Jesus. Why did John tell us the servant’s name was Malchus?

Malchus had come to where the apostles were as a servant of the High Priest, and Jesus had come as a servant (Matthew 20:27, Matthew 23:11, Mark 10:44, see notes on John 13:3-5) of the Most High God. Malchus’ ^{G3124 H4429} name means “king ^H4428” or “counselor ^H4427.” Jesus is both Counselor (Isaiah 9:6) and King (Psalms 72:11, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Zechariah 9:9-10, 1 Corinthians 15:25, Ephesians 1:21-22, Philippians 2:9-11, 1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16). The Malchus of kings was about to be cut off from mankind and land in the dirt (Isaiah 53:9, Matthew 27:58-60, Mark 15:43-46, Luke 23:50-53, John 19:38-42, Acts 13:29, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4) just as that servant’s ear did. Ears are meant to hear the word (Romans 10:16-17), and Jesus is the word (John 1:1-14).

So Jesus, who is God (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, John 1:1, John 5:18, Philippians 2:6, 1 Timothy 1:17, 1 Timothy 3:16, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 1:8), resurrected the ear from the ground and restored it to life at the head of the body. God, the Father, would also raise up Jesus from the ground (Acts 2:23-24, Acts 2:32, Acts 3:15, Acts 3:26, Acts 10:40, Acts 13:28-30, Acts 17:31, Romans 4:24, Romans 6:4, Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 6:14, 2 Corinthians 4:14, Galatians 1:1, Colossians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 1:21) and establish Him at the head of the body (Ephesians 4:15-16, Ephesians 5:23, Colossians 1:12-18).

John wanted us to see how, even at the end of His ministry; Jesus continually said and did things that illustrated for us the gospel story. The King came as a servant to be cut off for us.

Also note that John tells us which side of the head was physically affected, the right side, and Jesus’ place is at the right hand of the Father (Psalms 110:1-4, Matthew 22:43-45, Matthew 26:64, Mark 14:62, Mark 16:19, Acts 2:34-36, Acts 5:31, Acts 7:55, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 1:20, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 10:12) in the Godhead (Acts 17:29-32, Romans 1:19-24, Colossians 2:8-9, 1 John 5:7).

Additionally, John told us it was Peter that cut off the ear. The other gospel writers didn’t tell us which one did it. Jesus had called Peter “Satan,” when Peter tried to convince Jesus not to go through with God’s plan (Matthew 16:23, Mark 8:33, Luke 4:8), and it was the devil that took a swipe at the Godhead by trying to cut off Jesus (Isaiah 53:8, Jeremiah 31:15-16, Daniel 9:26, Zechariah 13:7, Matthew 2:16, Matthew 4:1-11, Matthew 13:39, Acts 13:10, 2 Corinthians 2:11, Ephesians 6:11-12, 1 Peter 5:8, 1 John 3:8).

The Bible is so incredibly rich in design and wisdom that no mere man could have invented it from mortal imagination. This one verse alone boggles our thinking, and the hidden truths laced through it are as veins of gold running through the mine of God’s word. One only need dig into the vast passages illuminated by the light of the Holy Spirit to reveal its richness. Glory to God! Be wise and accept the value of the Bible’s treasures.

Verse 11

John 18:11

Although John did not bring it up, the other gospels told us that Jesus prayed in the garden (John 18:1) and asked the Father if He would take “the cup” (Psalms 116:13, Jeremiah 25:17, Habakkuk 2:16, Matthew 20:22, Mark 10:38-39) from Him (Matthew 26:36, Mark 14:36, Luke 22:42). See also notes on John 12:27. Having prayed through and received the victory over His uncertainty, He was not about to give into it. Consequently, Jesus told Peter to put the sword away. Peter had drawn the sword to protect his master, because he thought that was what Jesus wanted (see notes on John 18:10). However, Jesus wanted only what the Father wanted, and He reminded Peter that we reap what we sow (Matthew 26:52). It is better to take up the will of God and perish while being in His will.

Jesus was not here for war with Rome or the Jews (Luke 6:27-31, Luke 9:55-56, John 10:10). He was here for war with our real enemy, the devil (Isaiah 27:1, Romans 16:20, Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14, 1 John 3:8, Revelation 20:2-3, Revelation 20:10).

Verse 12

John 18:12

Jesus had just openly admitted His willingness to accept the role in God’s salvation plan that was assigned to Him (John 18:8 and John 18:11). Emboldened by Jesus’ humility and that he had not yet disappeared (Luke 4:30, Luke 24:31, John 5:13, see notes on John 8:59, John 10:39), the “ban of men” (John 18:3) grabbed hold of Him and made Him their captive.

Verse 13

John 18:13

See notes on John 3:1 and John 11:49. From this verse we learn that Caiaphas was Annas’ Son-in-law. Notice how bizarre it was. There could be nothing more chaotic than to subvert the divine order of power in the universe. The created took control over the creator. However, in the throes of their ultimate anarchy, they insisted on doing everything in “proper” order, and they recognized the authority of the elder High Priest first.

Even today, the devil still masks his depraved plans in the guise of proper order and respect for precedent. Don’t be fooled by religious governing bodies that seek to subvert God’s anointed under the auspices of doing things right and protecting traditions and valuing history. True priorities always are guided by the Holy Ghost and God’s word. Right is always right, and it never seeks to overturn the divine. Look and see how rebellion against God has been the devil’s way (Isaiah 14:12-14, Ezekiel 28:12-16, 2 Peter 2:4, Revelation 12:7-10).

Verse 14

John 18:14

John reminded us of what he wrote about in John 11:49-52.

Verse 15

John 18:15

Peter followed Jesus as the Lord was led by the band of men (John 18:3) to Annas’ palace, and fear of what the mob might do next was growing rapidly in his heart.

John didn’t tell us who the other disciple was that followed Jesus too. It could have been any disciple and not necessarily one of the eleven remaining apostles. Many commentators suppose the other disciple was John, since he regularly wouldn’t refer to himself by name in his gospel (see notes on John 13:23). Additionally, John was the one disciple at Jesus’ crucifixion (John 19:26). However, there is no known connection between John, a Galilean (Luke 5:10, John 21:2) fisherman (Matthew 4:21, Mark 1:19-20) by trade, and the High Priest.

An alternative identification of the unnamed disciple is Judas Iscariot. Judas didn’t repent or feel remorse until Jesus had been condemned to die, and Judas was still present at the sentencing (Matthew 27:3-5). Since Judas was at both the arrest and the trial, it is reasonable to presume that he followed Jesus to Annas’ palace.

Notice how John didn’t say the other disciple was with Peter, only that he followed along too. We don’t have to suppose Judas’ connection to the High Priest (Matthew 26:14, Matthew 26:47, Mark 14:10, Mark 14:43), or his acceptance enough to be allowed into the palace. Additionally, Judas was already with the men that came to arrest Jesus (John 18:2-3). It would only make sense that he’d follow along. The need for his guiding (Acts 1:16) the band of men was over, and, should he have chosen to remain with them, he likely would have been reduced to following the company.

If both Judas and Peter were quietly trailing the party, it is plausible they would have seen each other along the way. After Judas had been allowed inside the palace with the men he had led to the garden, he could have returned to the entrance and vouched for Peter (John 18:16). Moreover, the fact that one disciple could get into the palace and one disciple could not further supports the “another disciple” being Judas proposition.

Verse 16

John 18:16

Peter was locked out of the palace, but “another disciple” was allowed in (John 18:15). This “other disciple” was also recognized by the woman guarding the door as a person in authority. How could a disciple of the accused renegade rabbi (Jesus) be accepted as someone to be trusted? Peter, a Galilean, was a known part of Jesus’ followers (John 18:17, John 18:25-26), and he was kept out. The woman knew the “other disciple,” and he was let in.

Judas Iscariot could have been the “other disciple” (see notes on John 18:15), because the woman guarding the door would have likely seen Judas leaving the palace leading the “band of men” (John 18:3) given to him by the High Priest.

Verse 17

John 18:17

Some assume that the woman assigned to answer the door of the palace recognized Peter as a disciple, because she heard his Galilean accent. However, John records Peter saying nothing to the woman until Peter went past her as he entered the palace. His only words were to answer her question.

The other gospels tell of Peter only answering questions too (Matthew 26:69-73, Mark 14:66-69, Luke 22:56, Luke 22:58). One man speaks of Peter’s accent only after hearing Peter answer questions (Mark 14:70, Luke 22:59).

By answering, “I am not,” Peter fulfilled one third of Jesus’ three step prophesy (Matthew 26:34, Mark 14:30, Luke 22:34, John 13:38). Peter denied Jesus despite Jesus warning him before the events took place that denying Jesus had eternal consequences (Matthew 10:33). We reap what we sow (Job 4:8, Hosea 8:7, Hosea 10:12, 2 Corinthians 9:6, Galatians 6:7-8), and sin results in death (Romans 5:12, Romans 5:21, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 15:56, James 1:15).

It is natural to fear death, but we should not be bound by our human nature. Death comes for us all. Fear of death is both the love of life and trepidation over the unknown. We believers have learned from the word that; we should not concern ourselves with death (Isaiah 8:12-13, Isaiah 41:10-14, Isaiah 51:12, Jeremiah 1:8, Matthew 10:28-31, Matthew 10:39, Matthew 16:25, Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24, Luke 12:4-7, Luke 17:33, John 12:25, John 14:1, John 14:27, Acts 18:9-10, Acts 20:24, Acts 21:13, Romans 8:35-39, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, Hebrews 11:35, 1 Peter 3:14, Revelation 2:10), and our future is known (Acts 14:22, Romans 8:17, Philippians 1:28, 2 Thessalonians 1:4-8, 1 Thessalonians 4:17, 2 Timothy 2:12, 1 Peter 4:13-16, Revelation 20:6).

Verse 18

John 18:18

Undeterred by having already been recognized as one of Jesus’ disciples at the door (John 18:17), it is bewildering that Peter was willing to further risk exposure by standing with officers that likely seen him as he cut off one of their company’s ears only a little while earlier (John 18:26). It is as though he was in shock and unable to think well. Much like people gather at the scene of an accident to watch the goings on, he simply proceeded through the course of the unfolding events so he wouldn’t miss anything (Matthew 26:58).

Verse 19

John 18:19

Having established that two of Jesus’ disciples were nearby (John 18:16), John turned his attention to the trial taking place inside the palace, and we see the High Priest questioning Jesus about His disciples.

Inside the palace grounds, Peter indeed had good cause to be concerned about his relationship to Jesus. He was in the lion’s den pretending to be a lion, so that they wouldn’t turn on him and devour him too. If a lion snipped at him, he would have to face the rival and roar (Matthew 26:73-74, Mark 14:70-71).

Sometimes our intentions may be noble and pure of heart, but we find ourselves in situations that strain our faith beyond the threshold of our barrier to sin. In those times, it is best to simply turn away and leave the temptation to defile yourself rather than stay and fall into the pit of sin. When Joseph found that he was trapped in a situation beyond his ability to control himself, he ran away from it (Genesis 39:11-12).

Verse 20

John 18:20

Jesus wasn’t intimidated by His situation. He was ready to take His stand (see notes on John 18:19). He didn’t disappear (John 10:39, see notes on John 8:59).

“The Jews” Jesus referred to were the people He was responding to (see notes on John 7:20). They knew exactly what He had taught. What they were after was a matter-of-record show proving their justification for killing Jesus. It was a kangaroo court, because they had intended to kill Him for some time (Mark 3:6, John 5:16-18, John 7:1, John 7:19, John 7:25, John 7:44, John 8:59 and see notes on John 5:12).

Verse 21

John 18:21

In other words, “You know very well what I have taught, so ask yourselves.” Jesus’ reply was viewed as disrespectful towards the High Priest (John 18:22) and unconcerned about His situation. However, Jesus is the King of Kings (1 Timothy 6:13-15, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16), and He spoke as a king before a judge that pretentiously sat in judgment over Him.

Verse 22

John 18:22

The officer saw only an accused man standing before the High Priest who sat in judgment on the bound prisoner (John 18:12). There was no fear in Jesus’ voice or concern over His plight (see notes on John 18:21). Jesus’ response was received as contempt of the court, and such disregard for the High Priest’s authority must be challenged. There must be order in the court or chaos will reign, so the officer slapped Him.

Verse 23

John 18:23

Jesus spoke directly to the officer that slapped Him. He asked him to justify his actions in the light of truth. One day we too will be in the presence of Christ and answer for our assault on God’s law (Ecclesiastes 12:14, Matthew 12:36, Luke 12:2, Acts 17:30-31, 1 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 2:16, Judges 1:14-15, Revelation 20:11-15) and thus His authority to rule over us. Unlike the officer, we will have a response, and it will be a confession that Jesus is Lord (Romans 14:11-12, Philippians 2:11).

Verse 24

John 18:24

There were two High Priests that year (Luke 3:2, John 18:13, Acts 4:6).

Verse 25

John 18:25

Apparently, Peter hadn’t left the fire (John 18:18) since immediately after his first denial (see notes on John 18:17). This denial was Peter’s second of the three.

Verse 26

John 18:26

So, this gentleman was related to the man Peter took a sword to, and he had witnessed it. One would most certainly not forget what the assailant looked like only a little while after he had victimized your relative. Although it had been dark in the garden, the black of night had been alleviated by both torch and lantern light (John 18:3). Now the darkness was broken by the glowing light of the fire, and, although the man couldn’t be certain under such conditions, he was almost positive Peter was the culprit he had seen in the garden.

Verse 27

John 18:27

Given the situation (see notes on John 18:19 and John 18:26), all Peter knew to do was deny Jesus once again. Of course, this denial was the third and final step of fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy (John 13:38). After the third denial, the cock crowed just as Jesus predicted.

Verse 28

John 18:28

Their concern about “the passover” was not related to the Passover Meal (see notes on John 2:13). The meal part of the Passover Festival had already taken place (John 13:2). However, they didn’t want to miss the still upcoming Feast Day (see notes on John 13:1), due to being “unclean” or “defiled.”

Unclean

Entering a Gentile’s house that had leavened bread in it would have broken their Passover observance (Exodus 12:8, Exodus 12:15-20, Exodus 13:7, Exodus 23:15, Exodus 34:18, Leviticus 23:6, Deuteronomy 16:3, Ezekiel 45:21).

Defiled

The “hall of judgment” was where Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:2, John 18:29), as Governor over Judea (Matthew 27:2, Luke 3:1, Luke 23:24, John 19:10), would hold court (John 18:33, John 19:13). The hall, therefore, was a place where foreigners dwelt. It was customarily unlawful for a Jew to go into the house of a foreigner and socialize with them (Leviticus 18:24-30, Deuteronomy 7:1-18, Ezra 9:10-12, John 4:9, John 4:27, Acts 10:28), because to do so would expose oneself to their sinful practices. If exposed to the foreigner’s sin, one would be defiled and unable to participate in the Passover Feast.

Verse 29

John 18:29

Learning that the Jewish leadership had brought a man to the Judgment Hall, and knowing that Jews couldn’t enter the hall (John 18:28), Pilate went out to where they were. Since it was Jews upset at a Jew, Pilate wondered why he was being brought into the matter (see notes on John 18:31).

Verse 30

John 18:30

Pilate had asked them the charge against Jesus (John 18:29). They responded by calling Jesus an “evil doer.” What is evil to a Jew is not necessarily evil to a Roman, so Pilate assumed Jesus had only broken the Law of Moses (see notes on John 18:31).

Verse 31

John 18:31

Pilate’s first question was to determine whether the disturbance was due to a violation of Roman law (John 18:29). Having determined that it was an internal Jewish affair (see notes on John 18:30), Pilate was uninterested in dealing with a matter of contention related to Mosaic Law between the Jewish leadership and one of their people. Consequently, the Governor gave them permission to go away and deal with their violated law in any way they saw fit.

Notice how they had already sentenced Jesus to death on the cross (see notes on John 18:32), but they had no authority under Roman rule to carry it out. They needed Pilate (see notes on John 18:28) to do it.

Verse 32

John 18:32

Jesus said He would be “lifted up” (John 3:14-15, John 12:32-33). The Romans crucified people. The Jews stoned people (Exodus 17:4, Leviticus 20:2, Leviticus 20:27, Leviticus 24:14, Leviticus 24:16, Leviticus 24:23, Numbers 14:10, Numbers 15:35, Deuteronomy 13:10, Deuteronomy 17:5, Deuteronomy 21:21, Deuteronomy 22:21-24, 1 Kings 21:10, Luke 20:6, John 8:3-9, John 10:31-33, Acts 14:5, Acts 7:59, Acts 14:19). So, in order for Jesus’ prophesy to be fulfilled, the Jews had to get the Romans to execute Him.

Verse 33

John 18:33

Although John didn’t clarify why; Pilate perceived reason enough to judge the matter, because the Jews accused Jesus of subversion against the empire and calling Himself a king (Luke 23:2).

Verse 34

John 18:34

Jesus asked Pilate if he was becoming interested in Him for reasons other than the accusations against Him. Jesus, knowing the hearts of all men (Jeremiah 17:10, Matthew 9:4, John 2:24-25, John 6:43, Acts 1:24, Hebrews 4:13, Revelation 2:23), saw the conflict within Pilate. Pilate’s soul was fighting his spirit’s growing attachment to Jesus’ story.

Verse 35

John 18:35

Pilate responded to Jesus’ query (see notes on John 18:34) by bringing the question back to the topic Pilate had logically applied himself to, i.e., “Do you consider yourself King of the Jews?” Pilate was saying, “I’m not a Jew. Caesar is my king. You are a Jew, and your own people have accused you of treason against my king.”

Pilate was trying to think with his head. He was logically maneuvering through a political minefield that the Jews had laid out before him, but Jesus was concerned with his heart. Jesus was asking Pilate if he was aware that his mind was loyal to Caesar, but his heart was turning towards Christ.

Herod had heard reports about Jesus prior to meeting Him (Luke 23:8). Pilate also had likely been apprised of Jesus’ ministry and the incredible miracles and Jesus’ message of love and hope before he met Him personally. The stories and reports must have helped to touch Pilate’s heart, and he was being pulled towards the Master. Having acquired only positive intelligence about Jesus’ dealings with everyone except the Jewish leadership, the governor asked Jesus if there was anything He had done that Pilate wasn’t aware of.

Verse 36

John 18:36

Jesus responded to Pilate’s political concerns (see notes on John 18:35) and told Pilate that He wasn’t interested with human politics and titles of dominion over one part of the Earth. Jesus’ authority and rule is permanent (Psalms 45:6, Isaiah 9:7, Daniel 2:44, Daniel 7:14, Daniel 7:27, Micah 4:7, Luke 1:33, Hebrews 1:8, Revelation 11:15) and transcends temporary kings and kingdoms that are here today and gone tomorrow.

Verse 37

John 18:37

Although Jesus had turned the questioning back onto Pilate’s heart (see notes on John 18:34-36) rather than physical kingdoms, He had used the words “my kingdom” in His previous statement. Consequently, and avoiding the truth that was swelling within his heart, Pilate turned the line of questioning back to Earthly politics and asked, “So you admit that you are a king.”

Undaunted by Pilate’s continued attempts to have his mind dominate his heart, Jesus told Pilate that his heart was hearing the truth of Jesus’ message. Even Pilate’s wife was being called into the light (Matthew 27:19).

The Lord was looking past the time they were in and preparing the heart of Rome to receive the gospel. Rome would be the Holy Spirit’s catalyst propelling the church, one surge at a time, into the future. Every wave was once a ripple, and the tsunami of God’s love was already moving out from Palestine to wash over the entire world.

Verse 38

John 18:38

Pilate admitted that his heart was seeking the truth, and Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). However, having done a work within Pilate’s heart, Jesus was content and ended the conversation by giving no reply (Isaiah 53:7, Mark 15:3-5).

Pilate had heard and perceived enough to understand (Matthew 27:18) that Jesus was no threat to the political authority of the empire (see notes on John 18:34-37). Seeing no reason to fear Caesar’s wrath by releasing Jesus, Pilate declared his intention to let Him go (John 18:39). The governor would repeatedly seek buy-in from the Jews to let Jesus go (John 19:4, John 19:6, John 19:12, John 19:14-15, Acts 3:13).

Although John didn’t document Herod’s role in the prosecution of Jesus, it was at this time that Pilate sent Jesus to Herod (Luke 23:4-7). Obviously, Pilate thought he might have discovered an easy way out of the Jews’ plot to involve him in this Jesus affair. Herod questioned Jesus, but Jesus never said a word to him (Luke 23:8-9).

Perhaps, if Jesus had defended Himself, Herod, like Pilate, might have contemplated letting Jesus go too. In order that all things prophesied about Him might be fulfilled though (Luke 21:22, Luke 24:44, John 19:28), Jesus had to be returned to the governor (see notes on John 18:31-32). Apparently the Jews, who had escorted Jesus to Herod, unwittingly attempted to facilitate prophetic events by inciting Herod’s wrath as well as Pilate’s (Luke 23:10). Finally, disappointed by having seen no miracle nor having heard any answers from Jesus at all, Herod sent Jesus back to Pontius Pilate (Luke 23:11).

Verse 39

John 18:39

Apparently, as one way of keeping peace between the occupying powers of Rome and the occupied people of Palestine, a prisoner of the people’s choice would be released during every Passover festival (Matthew 27:15, Mark 15:6, Luke 23:17, see notes on John 2:13 about the Passover). Pilate reminded them that he had not yet released a prisoner that year, and he appealed to their part of the standing social contract hoping they would show mercy to Jesus as Rome shows mercy to their people.

Some believe Pilate’s use of the title “King of the Jews” was a sarcastic ridicule of Jesus and the Jews. However, given the tone of the conversation between the governor and Jesus (John 18:33-38), it isn’t likely that Pilate would have intended derision. Pilate may have simply reminded the people why he was judging this matter in the first place (see notes on John 18:29-33).

Verse 40

John 18:40

Governor Pilate had offered Jesus as a candidate for release according to the ongoing custom during the Passover festival (John 18:39), because he found Jesus to be an innocent man and no threat to Rome (John 18:38). However, the Jewish leadership stirred up the people to ask for Barabbas’ release instead of Jesus’ (Matthew 27:20, Mark 15:11, Acts 3:13-14).

The irony of Barabbas versus Jesus is putrid. Jesus was a good man (Acts 10:38), and innocent of harm towards any person, the government or God (Matthew 27:4, Matthew 27:19, Matthew 27:24, Matthew 27:54, Luke 23:40-41, 1 Peter 1:19), but Barabbas was a thief, a murderer and a rebel against Rome (Mark 15:7, Luke 23:19).

The release of Barabbas and the execution of Jesus instead, is the irony of the cross in full view. Jesus died, and we are set free (Psalms 105:20, Isaiah 58:6, John 8:32, John 8:36, Romans 6:18, Romans 8:2, 1 Corinthians 7:22, 1 Corinthians 9:1, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 4:31, Galatians 5:1, Ephesians 4:8, Colossians 1:13, James 1:25, Revelation 5:9). He didn’t deserve to die, but He died instead of us (Isaiah 53:6-12, Matthew 20:28, Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, John 3:16, Romans 3:24-26, Romans 4:25, Romans 5:6-21, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 5:2, 1 Timothy 2:5-6, Titus 2:13-14, Hebrews 9:12-15, Hebrews 9:28, Hebrews 10:10, 1 Peter 1:18-19, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 John 2:2, Revelation 1:5). More incredible is that through His pain and suffering, we are granted blessings (Isaiah 53:5, Romans 4:7-8, Galatians 3:8, Ephesians 1:3, Hebrews 7:6-7, James 1:12, Revelation 14:13, Revelation 19:9, Revelation 22:14). It is incredible, because we all are Barabbas.

Chapter 19