John 18:7
So He asked them again, "Whom are you seeking?" "Jesus of Nazareth," they answered.
So He asked them again
This phrase highlights the persistence and authority of Jesus in the face of His arrest. The Greek word for "asked" is "ἐπηρώτησεν" (eperōtēsen), which implies a questioning that demands a response. Jesus, fully aware of the events to unfold, demonstrates His control over the situation. His repetition of the question underscores His willingness to confront His destiny and fulfill the Scriptures. This moment reflects the fulfillment of prophecy and the divine plan, as Jesus willingly submits to the Father's will.

Whom are you seeking?
This question, posed by Jesus, is both literal and deeply symbolic. The Greek word "ζητεῖτε" (zēteite) for "seeking" suggests an active pursuit or search. In a broader spiritual context, it challenges the reader to consider their own pursuit of Jesus. Are we seeking Him with the same intensity? This question also serves to clarify the intentions of the arresting party, ensuring that His disciples are not implicated, thus protecting them as He had promised.

And they said
The response of the arresting party is a direct answer to Jesus' question. This phrase indicates the dialogue and interaction between Jesus and those who came to arrest Him. It reflects the fulfillment of His earlier prediction that He would be betrayed and handed over to the authorities. The straightforwardness of their response contrasts with the deeper spiritual blindness of those who fail to recognize Jesus' true identity and mission.

Jesus of Nazareth
This title identifies Jesus by His earthly origin, "Nazareth," a town of little renown, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3). The use of "Nazareth" emphasizes His humble beginnings and humanity. In the Greek, "Ἰησοῦν τὸν Ναζωραῖον" (Iēsoun ton Nazōraion) is a specific designation that the arresting party uses to ensure they capture the right person. This title, while accurate, fails to capture the full divinity and messianic role of Jesus, highlighting the limited understanding of those who sought to arrest Him. This moment is pivotal, as it sets the stage for the Passion, where Jesus' true identity as the Son of God will be revealed through His death and resurrection.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus of Nazareth
Central figure in this passage, Jesus is identified by His earthly origin, Nazareth, emphasizing His humanity and fulfillment of prophecy as the Messiah.

2. The Arresting Party
This group includes Roman soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, sent to arrest Jesus, highlighting the collaboration between Jewish and Roman authorities.

3. Garden of Gethsemane
The location where this event takes place, a significant site for Jesus' prayer and subsequent arrest, symbolizing a place of trial and submission to God's will.

4. Judas Iscariot
Though not mentioned in this specific verse, he is the one who leads the arresting party to Jesus, fulfilling his role as the betrayer.

5. Peter and the Disciples
Present during this event, their reactions and subsequent actions are crucial to understanding the human response to divine events.
Teaching Points
The Sovereignty of Jesus
Despite being arrested, Jesus is in control of the situation, demonstrating His divine authority and willingness to fulfill His mission.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus' arrest is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, reinforcing the reliability and divine inspiration of Scripture.

The Human Response to Divine Events
The disciples' reactions, including fear and confusion, reflect our own struggles to understand and respond to God's plans.

The Role of Betrayal in God's Plan
Judas' betrayal, though evil, is used by God to accomplish His redemptive purposes, reminding us of God's sovereignty over human actions.

The Importance of Identifying Jesus Correctly
The repeated question, "Whom are you seeking?" challenges us to consider our understanding and relationship with Jesus.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' question, "Whom are you seeking?" challenge us to examine our own pursuit of Jesus in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the setting of the Garden of Gethsemane enhance our understanding of Jesus' submission to God's will?

3. How can we find comfort in the sovereignty of Jesus during times of personal trial or confusion?

4. What lessons can we learn from the disciples' reactions during Jesus' arrest, and how can we apply these lessons to our own faith journey?

5. How does understanding the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' arrest strengthen our faith in the reliability of Scripture?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 1:45-46
This passage connects to the identification of Jesus as "Jesus of Nazareth," where Nathanael questions if anything good can come from Nazareth, highlighting the humble origins of the Messiah.

Matthew 26:47-56
Provides a parallel account of Jesus' arrest, offering additional details and perspectives on the event.

Isaiah 53:7
This prophecy about the suffering servant connects to Jesus' calm and willing submission during His arrest, fulfilling the prophecy of being led like a lamb to the slaughter.
A Most Remarkable MeetingD. Thomas, D. D.John 18:1-14
All Sorrows Simultaneously Present to the Mind of ChristN. Hall, LL. B.John 18:1-14
Annas and CaiaphasC. Stanford, D. D.John 18:1-14
Christ and His CaptorsA. Maclaren, D. D.John 18:1-14
Christ BetrayedS. Lewis B. Speare.John 18:1-14
Christ Crossing CedronHomiletic MagazineJohn 18:1-14
Christ in Gethsemane, -- a Picture of JudgmentFamily ChurchmanJohn 18:1-14
Christ's Agony Arising from His PurityN. Hall, LL. B.John 18:1-14
Christ's CupT. Manton, D. D.John 18:1-14
Christ's Cup and OursM. Henry.John 18:1-14
Christ's Question to the HeartSt. J. A. Frere, M. A.John 18:1-14
Crossing CedronH. Macmillan, D. D.John 18:1-14
High Priest that YearS. S. TimesJohn 18:1-14
Jesus Before an Iniquitous and Incompetent TribunalG. J. Brown, M. A.John 18:1-14
Jesus Coming Forth from GethsemaneHomiletic MagazineJohn 18:1-14
Jesus JudgedC. Stanford, D. D.John 18:1-14
Life PicturesJ. Parker, D. D.John 18:1-14
One Sufficient for a SacrificeH. O. Mackey.John 18:1-14
Over CedronC. S. Robinson, D. D.John 18:1-14
Peter's SwordD. Thomas, D. D.John 18:1-14
Phases of a Corrupt Government in its Endeavours to Crush the LightD. Thomas, D. D.John 18:1-14
The Apprehension of ChristC. Bradley, M. A.John 18:1-14
The Arrest of JessieT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 18:1-14
The Bound Christ TriumphantN. W. Wells.John 18:1-14
The Captive Saviour Freeing His PeopleC. H. Spurgeon.John 18:1-14
The Cup of SufferingJohn 18:1-14
The Ecclesiastical Trial of JesusT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 18:1-14
The Father's CupT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 18:1-14
The I Ams of ChristW. H. Van Doren.John 18:1-14
The Majesty and Force of RightD. Thomas, D. D.John 18:1-14
The Manliness of ChristR. C. Ferguson.John 18:1-14
The Scene in GethsemaneT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 18:1-14
The Use of Force in ReligionT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 18:1-14
The Moral Courage of JesusB. Thomas John 18:4-8
People
Annas, Barabbas, Caiaphas, Jesus, Judas, Malchus, Peter, Pilate, Simon
Places
Jerusalem, Kidron, Nazareth
Topics
Demanded, Nazaraean, Nazarene, Nazareth, Question, Questioned, Seek
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 18:6-8

     5798   betrayal

Library
March 24 Evening
God hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.--I THES. 2:12. My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, . . . but now is my kingdom not from hence.--Expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.--Thou hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.--I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 23 Evening
My kingdom is not of this world.--JOHN 18:36. This man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies may be made his footstool.--Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. He must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.--He raised him from the dead, and set
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Jesus Before Caiaphas
'And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. 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. And the servants and officers stood there,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Art Thou a King?
'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. Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this Man? They answered and said unto him, If He were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered Him up unto thee. Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye Him, and judge Him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Christ and his Captors
'As soon then as He had said unto them, I am He, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked He them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am He: if therefore ye seek Me, let these go their way: That the saying might he fulfilled, which He spake, Of them which Thou gayest Me have I lost none.'--JOHN xviii. 6-9. This remarkable incident is narrated by John only. It fits in with the purpose which he himself tells us governed his selection
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Calvary: victory. Matthew 26:47-27:61. Mark 14: 43-15:47. Luke 22:47-23:56. John 18:1-19:42.
Yielding to Arrest: the betrayal--protecting the disciples--checking Peter's violence--the arrest--the disciples forsake Him--except two, John 18:15, 16. The Real Jewish Ruler: Annas the intriguer--an unrebuked insult--the case settled at once--before Caiaphas--difficulty in fixing a charge--the dramatic question and solemn answer--second condemnation--gross insults. Held Steady by Great Love: Peter gains entrance through John, John 18:16.--the stammering denial--the bolder--with oaths and
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

Kingship.
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 xviii. 37. Pilate asks Jesus if he is a king. The question is called forth by what the Lord had just said concerning his kingdom, closing with the statement that it was not of this world. He now answers Pilate that he is a king indeed, but shows him that his kingdom
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

First Stage of Jewish Trial. Examination by Annas.
(Friday Before Dawn.) ^D John XVIII. 12-14, 19-23. ^d 12 So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him, 13 and led him to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. [For confusion in the priesthood, etc., see pp. 64 and 528.] 14 Now Caiaphas was he that gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. [See p. 528. John restates this fact to remind the reader that Jesus was about
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Thursday Night - Before Annas and Caiaphas - Peter and Jesus.
IT was not a long way that they led the bound Christ. Probably through the same gate by which He had gone forth with His disciples after the Paschal Supper, up to where, on the slope between the Upper City and the Tyropoeon, stood the well-known Palace of Annas. There were no idle saunterers in the streets of Jerusalem at that late hour, and the tramp of the Roman guard must have been too often heard to startle sleepers, or to lead to the inquiry why that glare of lamps and torches, and Who was the
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Shadow of Death
196. Of the garden of Gethsemane it is only known that it was across the Kidron, on the slope of the Mount of Olives. Tradition has long pointed to an enclosure some fifty yards beyond the bridge that crosses the ravine on the road leading eastward from St. Stephen's gate. Most students feel that this is too near the city and the highway for the place of retreat chosen by Jesus. Archaeologically and sentimentally the identification of places connected with the life of Jesus is of great interest.
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

A Review and a Challenge
The Social Principles of Jesus Demand Personal Allegiance and Social Action DAILY READINGS First Day: The Social Mission of Christians Ye are the salt of the earth.... Ye are the light of the world.--Matt. 5:13, 14. "Jesus speaks here with the consciousness of an historic mission to the whole of humanity. Yet it was a Nazarene carpenter speaking to a group of Galilean peasants and fishermen. Under the circumstances, and at the time, it was an utterance of the most daring faith--faith in himself,
Walter Rauschenbusch—The Social Principles of Jesus

The Arrest.
"When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the brook Kidron, where was a garden, into the which He entered, Himself and His disciples. Now Judas also, which betrayed Him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with His disciples. Judas then, having received the band of soldiers, and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went
Marcus Dods—The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St John, Vol. II

Peter's Denial and Repentance.
"So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound Him, and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, which was high priest that year. Now Caiaphas was he which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known unto the high priest, and entered in with Jesus into the court of the high priest; but Peter was standing
Marcus Dods—The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St John, Vol. II

Jesus Before Pilate.
"They led Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the palace: and it was early; and they themselves entered not into the palace, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the Passover. Pilate therefore went out unto them, and saith, What accusation bring ye against this man? They answered and said unto him, If this man were not an evil-doer, we should not have delivered Him up unto thee. Pilate therefore said unto them, Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law. The Jews said unto him,
Marcus Dods—The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St John, Vol. II

Comparison Between the False Church and the True.
1. Recapitulation of the matters treated in the previous chapter. Substance of the present chapter--viz. Where lying and falsehood prevail, no Church exists. There is falsehood wherever the pure doctrine of Christ is not in vigour. 2. This falsehood prevails under the Papacy. Hence the Papacy is not a Church. Still the Papists extol their own Church, and charge those who dissent from it with heresy and schism. They attempt to defend their vaunting by the name of personal succession. A succession
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Arrest of Jesus
Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.--Now he that betrayed him
Richard Newton—The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young

The Betrayal.
Leaving the Upper Room, Jesus and his disciples went out into the moonlit night, for there was full moon at the passover, and took their way through the streets out of the eastern gate, across the Kedron, to the garden of Gethsemane, about a half mile from the city walls, near the western base of Mt. Olivet. The Garden, or orchard, takes its name from a word meaning oil press, and doubtless was shaded by the olive trees, from which the hill takes its designation. Still the traveler meets on this
B.W. Johnson—The New Testament Commentary Vol. III: John

The Trial Before the High Priest.
"Reading the Gospels side by side, we will, with care and study, see how all they tell us falls accurately into its proper position in the general narrative, and shows us a six-fold trial, a quadruple decision, a triple acquittal, a twice repeated condemnation of Christ our Lord. We soon perceive that of the three successive trials which our Lord underwent at the hands of the Jews, the first only--that before Annas--is related to us by John; the second--that before Caiaphas--by Matthew and Mark;
B.W. Johnson—The New Testament Commentary Vol. III: John

Christ Before Pilate.
John only gives the detailed account of the private examinations of Jesus by Pilate during the civil trial recorded in 18:33-37. He probably went within Pilate's palace as he would not be deterred by the scruples of the Jews, having eaten his passover, and he was therefore a personal witness. His account aids much in explaining Pilate's language to the Jews and to Christ, which is recorded in the other Gospels. The trial before Pilate divides itself into the following acts: 1. Without the Prætorium.
B.W. Johnson—The New Testament Commentary Vol. III: John

Messiah Despised, and Rejected of Men
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrow, and acquainted with grief. T he heathen moralists, ignorant of the character and perfections of God, the true dignity and immorality of the soul, and the root and extent of human depravity, had no better foundation, for what they call virtue, than pride; no higher aim in their regulations, than the interests of society, and the conduct of civil life. They expressed, indeed, occasionally, some sentiments of a superior kind; but these, however just
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Messiah Rising from the Dead
For Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. T hat the Gospel is a divine revelation may be summarily proved from the character of its Author. If an infidel was so far divested of prejudice and prepossession, as to read the history of Jesus Christ, recorded by the Evangelists, with attention, and in order to form his judgment of it, simply and candidly, as evidence should appear; I think he must observe many particulars in his spirit and conduct,
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Greatest Trial on Record
Brethren, as the Lord gave commandment concerning even the ashes and offal of the sacrifices, we ought to think no matter trivial which stands in connection with our great burnt offering. My admonition is, "Gather up the fragments which remain, that nothing be lost." As goldsmiths sweep their shops, to save even the filings of the gold, so every word of Jesus should be treasured up as very precious. But, indeed, the narrative to which I invite you is not unimportant. Things which were purposed of
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 9: 1863

Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils.
Let us now consider the matters which should be treated in the councils, and with which popes, cardinals, bishops, and all learned men should occupy themselves day and night, if they loved Christ and His Church. But if they do not do so, the people at large and the temporal powers must do so, without considering the thunders of their excommunications. For an unjust excommunication is better than ten just absolutions, and an unjust absolution is worse than ten just excommunications. Therefore let
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

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