John 18

The garden across the Kidron

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. John 18:1–2

Jesus enters the garden the other Gospels call Gethsemane, where His suffering for our sins begins.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Matthew 26:36 — Jesus comes to a place called Gethsemane.
• the same event in Mark 14:32 — Gethsemane.

The King crossing the Kidron, betrayed by a friend

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. John 18:1–3

King David, betrayed by his counselor Ahithophel, crossed the Kidron and went up the Mount of Olives weeping. Jesus, the Son of David, crosses the same brook on the night His friend betrays Him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• typified by 2 Samuel 15:23 — The king passed over the brook Kidron.
• typified by 2 Samuel 15:30-31 — David goes up Olivet weeping; Ahithophel is among the conspirators.

I AM ("I am he")

I AM — the divine name of Jehovah (Exodus 3:14); "I am he" renders the Greek ego eimi

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? John 18:4–7

Jesus knowingly steps forward. When He answers "I am" — the divine name — an armed band falls to the ground, showing that no one takes His life; He gives it freely.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Exodus 3:14 — "I AM THAT I AM."
• the same title in John 8:58 — "Before Abraham was, I am."
• the same title in John 13:19 — "That ye may believe that I am he."

The Shepherd who shields His sheep

Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: John 18:8–9

Jesus gives Himself up so His disciples can go free — the Good Shepherd protecting His sheep, just as He had said in His prayer.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils John 17:12 — "Those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost."
• fulfils John 6:39 — "Of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing."

The cup from the Father

Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. John 18:10–11

Jesus refuses rescue by the sword. The "cup" is the suffering of the Atonement, and He chooses to drink it in obedience to His Father.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alluded to by 3 Nephi 11:11 — "I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me."
• alluded to by D&C 19:18 — "Would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink."
• alludes to Matthew 26:39 — "Let this cup pass from me."

The bound Son

Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, John 18:12

As Isaac was bound and laid on the wood, the willing Son of God is bound on the way to His sacrifice.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• typified by Genesis 22:9 — Abraham "bound Isaac his son."

One man dies for the people

And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. John 18:13–14

John reminds readers that the high priest judging Jesus had unknowingly prophesied His death for the people.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quotes John 11:49-52 — Caiaphas's prophecy.

His prophecy of Peter's denial fulfilled

Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not. John 18:17–27

While Jesus boldly says "I am," Peter three times says "I am not." The rooster crows just as Jesus foretold.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils John 13:38 — "The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice."
• the same event in Matthew 26:69-75 — Peter's denials.

The smitten Judge of Israel

The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. John 18:19–23

Jesus is struck in the face, as the prophets foretold of the Messiah. His words "in secret have I said nothing" echo Jehovah's own words in Isaiah.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Micah 5:1 — "They shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek."
• fulfils Isaiah 50:6 — "I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair."
• alludes to Isaiah 45:19 — Jehovah: "I have not spoken in secret."

The true Passover Lamb

Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. John 18:28

The accusers guard their ritual purity to eat the Passover while handing over the true Passover Lamb to be killed.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• typified by Exodus 12:5-6 — The unblemished Passover lamb killed at the feast.
• interpreted by 1 Corinthians 5:7 — "Christ our passover is sacrificed for us."

The foretold manner of His death

Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: John 18:31–32

Because the case goes to Rome, Jesus will be crucified — "lifted up" — exactly as He had said, rather than stoned.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• fulfils John 12:32-33 — "If I be lifted up... signifying what death he should die."
• fulfils John 3:14 — The Son of man must be lifted up.
• fulfils Matthew 20:19 — Delivered to the Gentiles to crucify.

King of the Jews — a kingdom not of this world

King of the Jews — the rightful Messiah-King of David's line

Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? John 18:33–36

Pilate asks if Jesus is a king. He is — but His kingdom is heavenly, not a political power that fights with swords.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• a parallel account in Matthew 27:11 — "Art thou the King of the Jews?"
• the same title in John 19:19 — The title on the cross: "JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS."
• fulfils Daniel 2:44 — The God of heaven sets up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed.

Born a King to bear witness of truth

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. John 18:37

Jesus says He was born and came into the world for a purpose: to witness of truth. Those who love truth recognize His voice.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 10:27 — "My sheep hear my voice."

The Lamb without blemish

Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. John 18:38

The Roman judge declares Jesus innocent. Like the Passover lamb that had to be without blemish, the sacrifice is found faultless.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Luke 23:4 — "I find no fault in this man."
• typified by Exodus 12:5 — The lamb shall be without blemish.

One released, one condemned

But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? John 18:39–40

Of two men, the guilty one goes free and the innocent King is condemned — a picture of the Day of Atonement's two goats, and of every sinner released because Jesus took his place. Barabbas means "son of the father," while the true Son of the Father dies.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• typified by Leviticus 16:8-10 — Two goats: one for the LORD, one sent away alive.
• a parallel account in Matthew 27:15-21 — Barabbas released.
• fulfils Isaiah 53:3 — "He is despised and rejected of men."