In today’s session, we will once again look at the divinity of Jesus, His willingness to choose death so
that we might live, and the failures of Peter—which remind us of our own frailties.
John 18:1–24
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there
was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for
Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers
from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus,
knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered
him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with
them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again,
“Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if
you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave
me I have lost not one.” Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant
and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword
into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” So the band of soldiers and
their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas,
for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised
the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people. 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, but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who
was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and
brought Peter in. The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s
disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire,
because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing
and warming himself. The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus
answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple,
where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard
me what I said to them; they know what I said.” When he had said these things, one of the officers
standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered
him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you
strike me?” Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
Gethsemane
Dark Path of Sin
I AM
Death Warrant
Before the Counsel
Peter's Trial
What caused Jesus to sweat drops of blood in Gethsemane?
What are the consequences of continuing in sin?
How can we discover sin in our own lives, and what should we do when we find it?
What is the significance of the soldiers falling to the ground when Jesus said, “I
AM”?
Why did Jesus not call for angels to defend Him?
Are you judging Jesus by your own wisdom, or by what Scripture tells us?
Why are all the heroes of the Bible so flawed?
Thank God for Jesus’ willingness not to defend Himself, so that He might defend us. Thank Him for
showing us both the frailty of Peter and the righteousness of Jesus, which covers all our failures. Ask
God to help you see your own sin and give you strength to turn from it to Christ.
Why did Judas betray Jesus?
Why Did Jesus Choose Judas?
How can I make my conscience tender?
How Does Rejecting Conscience Wreck Faith?
What Was in the Cup
Why One Man’s Death Saves Millions
God's Strength in Weakness
Strategies To Fight Sin and Temptation
The Garden of Gethsemane
The Betrayed Christ Protects His Own
Jesus’ Unjust Trial
Peter: A Study in Failure and Restoration