CITY LIFE CHURCH BIBLE STUDY (11/June/2024)
The passage from John 18:1-14 describes
the events leading up to the arrest of Jesus. After finishing his prayers,
Jesus goes with his disciples to a familiar garden. Judas, who is set to betray
Jesus, arrives with soldiers and officials to arrest him. Jesus confronts them
calmly, acknowledging his identity, and asks for the release of his disciples.
Despite Peter's attempt to defend Jesus with violence, Jesus submits to the
arrest, emphasizing the need to fulfill his destiny.
Watch
Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/7B5Sp8fDlGs?feature=shared
READ PASSAGE: Jesus Arrested
John 18:1-14 (New
International Reader's Version)
1 When
Jesus had finished praying, he left with his disciples. They crossed the Kidron
Valley. On the other side there was a garden. Jesus and his disciples went into
it.
2 Judas knew the place. He was going to hand Jesus over to his enemies. Jesus had often met in that place with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden. He was guiding a group of soldiers and some officials. The chief priests and the Pharisees had sent them. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4 Jesus
knew everything that was going to happen to him. So he went out and asked them,
“Who do you want?” 5 “Jesus of
Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. Judas, who was going to hand
Jesus over, was standing there with them. 6
When Jesus said, “I am he,” they moved back. Then they fell to the ground.
7 He
asked them again, “Who do you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
8 Jesus answered, “I told you I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken would come true. He had said, “I have not lost anyone God has given me.” (John 6:39)
10 Simon Peter had a sword and pulled it out. He struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. 11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shouldn’t I drink the cup of suffering the Father has given me?”
12 Then
the group of soldiers, their commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus.
They tied him up 13 and brought him
first to Annas. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest at that
time. 14 Caiaphas had advised the
Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.
Discussion
Questions
- Why do you think Jesus went to a place he knew Judas could find
him, and how does this help us understand his intentions and acceptance of
his mission from God the Father?
- How did
Jesus handle the situation when the soldiers came to arrest him, and what
does this tell us about his calm and authoritative response?
- What can we
learn about Peter's personality and how he understood the situation from
his reaction? This includes exploring his quick actions and how devoted he
was to Jesus.
- Why did
Jesus ask the soldiers to release his disciples? How does this reveal
Jesus' concern for them and his faithfulness to his promises, which are
relevant for us to learn from even today?
- Verse 14: Caiaphas had advised
the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people. What
does this statement teach about Jesus?
Conclusion
This passage shows how calm and
determined Jesus is as he faces his arrest and crucifixion. His actions and
words show that he knows what he needs to do and why. It also highlights the
different reactions of his disciples, especially Peter, who acts without
thinking, and Judas, who betrays him.
Apply into our
lives today
●
Jesus stayed calm and focused even when he was
arrested and facing death, showing us how to handle our challenges with
calmness and purpose, trusting our values and goals.
●
When Judas betrayed him, Jesus did not react with
anger or violence, teaching us to respond to betrayal or hurt with grace and
understanding, not revenge.
●
Peter acted without thinking by drawing his sword
and attacking, reminding us to think before we act, especially in stressful
situations, and to seek peaceful solutions instead of reacting aggressively.
Prayer Together
