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Commentaries
English
John
  
A - EVENTS FROM THE ARREST TO THE BURIAL
(JOHN 18:1 – 19:42)

1. Jesus arrested in the garden
(John 18:1-14)
1When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples across the Kidron valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.2Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with his disciples.3So Judas, procuring a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.


Jesus spoke to his Father in prayer, committing his life into God’s hands, as well as his apostles’ and followers. With this farewell prayer he completed his words, ministries and prayers. Then he entered a new stage of suffering and affliction to fulfill his role as God’s Lamb bearing the world’s sin.
So he entered a walled garden on the Mount of Olives across the Kidron river, where lay a winepress. This was a place of refuge and retreat that he and his disciples resorted to, and where he often slept.
Judas knew of this secret hideout, and he informed the Jewish authorities of Jesus whereabouts. They were pleased and gathered temple guards and representatives of the Pharisees. They had no right to arrest anyone by night or carry arms, except with the agreement of the Roman rulers. The governor was informed. The Jewish leaders were not content with Judas’ information, but pressed him to lead the company to arrest Christ. Thus, Judas was not merely a traitor but also delivered Jesus to his foes. God forbid that He should allow the Son to take the likeness of the betrayer or vice versa. God is above such baseness.