John 18

Written on 05/10/2024

Verses 1-11

The overwhelming theme of this interaction between Jesus and those who arrested them was His power over the situation.
- He knew what was going to happen, so nothing came as a surprise. The soldiers thought Him the victim, but He was really the Master. The simple words, “I AM”, caused the troops to fall to the ground in awe of His divine presence. Everyone knew that Jesus could not be controlled. He willingly yielded Himself to arrest.
See teaching on Matthew 26, Mark 14, and Luke 22 for more details.

Verses 12-18, 25-27

Verses 28-32

Jesus knew that the Jews would not be able to kill Him without authority from the Romans, and so Jesus prophesied, “...and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify Him...” (Matthew 20:18-19).

Verses 33-38

Verse 36. Christ did not come the first time to become a political leader. He came as a King from heaven to preach a message of salvation. And everyone who will be saved will receive His message. He did not come to force anyone to receive Him.
Therefore, fighting, or military conquest as a means of forcefully spreading Christianity is forbidden.
- Don't think that God's kingdom is meant to spread through militant or political means.
  - We are not here to establish a Christian government. We are here to spread the gospel. When Christ returns He will establish His government.

Verses 39-40