Gospel Outreach International

This bible study on John 18 explores one of the most pivotal moments in Scripture—when Jesus willingly surrendered to those who came to arrest Him. Through careful examination of the Gospel accounts, we discover not just the historical events of that night, but profound truths about Christ’s character, His voluntary sacrifice, and the choices made by those around Him. This study challenges us to consider difficult questions about communion, judgment, and our own faithfulness when facing trials.

Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” John 18:4

• The study emphasizes comparing all four gospels to understand the full picture of Jesus’s arrest and crucifixion
• There is debate about whether Judas was present at the Last Supper/communion feast, which raises questions about protecting communion from non-believers
• The Garden of Gethsemane means “olive press” and was a regular meeting place for Jesus and His disciples
• An enormous force came to arrest Jesus—potentially 200-1000 soldiers plus temple police and a mob—to arrest just one man
• When Jesus identified Himself saying “I am he,” the entire force drew back and fell to the ground, demonstrating His divine authority
• Jesus could have called 12 legions of angels (12,000) to prevent His arrest, but He chose obedience to the Father’s will
• The brook Kidron that Jesus crossed may have been red with the blood of 256,000 Passover lambs sacrificed that day
• Judas’s motive for betrayal was greed—John tells us he was a thief who stole from the disciples’ money bag
• Jesus surrendered peacefully and insisted on no violence, fulfilling prophecy and protecting His disciples
• Peter and John followed at a distance; John was known to the high priest and was able to enter where Jesus was held

Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” John 18:8

What strikes me most about this study is how Jesus remained in complete control even when it seemed like everything was spiraling into chaos. That moment when armed men fell backward just from hearing Him say “I am”—that’s power! But it’s the kind of power that chose humility and sacrifice over self-preservation. Jesus didn’t have to go through with any of it. He could’ve walked through that crowd like He’d done before, or called down those 12,000 angels in a heartbeat. But He didn’t, because He came for us. While everyone else was confused, betraying, denying, or running away, Jesus stood firm in His purpose. And honestly, that’s what makes His sacrifice so precious—it wasn’t forced on Him, it was a gift He chose to give. The blood that was spilled wasn’t just any blood; it was the blood of God Himself in human form, conceived by the Holy Spirit. That’s what makes it sufficient for every sin of every person who ever lived. Pretty amazing when you think about it—all that authority, all that power, laid down willingly out of love for us.

Bible References

• John 18:
• Matthew 26
• Mark 14
• Luke 22
• 1 Corinthians 11:28 onwards
• 1 Corinthians 13
• Revelation 19
• Hosea 8:7
• Zechariah 11:13
• John 12