TITLE: JESUS’ ARREST SCRIPTURE: John 18:1-18

BIG IDEA: The earthly ministry of Jesus has now come to a close. The events of His betrayal and arrest remind us that Jesus is indeed the Son of God who holds all authority. Even though the events leading up to the Passion seem to be throwing Jesus’ world into chaos, all of this is under His command. Jesus gives Himself willingly. He is in control, even when it appears all is falling apart. Yet, we should all wrestle with the question: is our confession informed by His control?

1. JESUS GOES WILLINGLY – READ John 18:1-11 CONTEXT: In this passage, John records many details to demonstrate that even though Jesus is being taken captive, He is still in control. At this point we see Judas working behind the scenes by rallying a group to betray Jesus because he knew where Jesus would be. This location has significance. It is a common place where Jesus had met the disciples, and it is the place of David’s prayer for Jerusalem in 1 Samuel 15.

A. How would you describe the scene in the garden? How many people are there and who are they? Why do you think Jesus took the disciples to this familiar place? B. Could Jesus have hidden or escaped from the garden before the soldiers approached Him? If so, what should this tell us about the authority of Jesus even within His arrest and within the chaos? C. What seems to be Jesus’ concern in verse 8? How does Peter respond to the soldiers attempt to arrest Jesus? How might Jesus’ reply to this action call back to their conversation from earlier in the night? D. How might this scene inform the way each of us deal with trials and even the oppression of others? What truths do you run to when life becomes chaotic? Is there a passage or two that you run to in those times that remind you of that truth?

2. STANDING ROOM ONLY – READ John 18:12-18 CONTEXT: With the arrest of Jesus, the scene is set. He is taken to the residence of the Jewish rulers, who were to question Him about all that He had been doing and teaching. This is where Peter denies being a disciple of Jesus to a slave girl of the High Priest.

A. Where is it that the soldiers take Jesus? Why is it that they take Him to these religious leaders? Thinking back to John 11:49-53, what had Caiaphas previously told the Jews concerning Jesus? B. It’s impossible to know the full motives of Peter, but what are some reasons people in his situation might deny being with Jesus? What does this type of compromise look like for us as believers today? C. Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation where you have been asked to affirm or deny your faith? Would you say your response was seasoned with grace?

PRAYER & ACTION A. PRAYER: Pray together for those in your group experiencing seasons of chaos. Ask the Lord to bring comfort and for a fullness of joy even within the sorrow knowing He is in control. B. ACTION: In your time alone with the Lord this week, write out an area or two in your life where your confession of Christ is compromised. Find someone you trust who you can confess this to and pray together.