JESUS ACCEPTS HIS SUFFERING John 18:1-11 Our Lord went forth from the city and across the brook Cedron to Gethsemane, but not for the purpose of concealment, as John 18:2 clearly shows. How characteristic it was that He should meet the band and ask that He should be taken, while the disciples shou... [ Continue Reading ]
FEAR UNDERMINES LOYALTY John 18:12-18 Apparently a preliminary and private examination was held while the Sanhedrin was being hastily summoned. The other disciple was evidently John. It was a mistake for Peter to throw himself into such a vortex of trial. His foolhardiness and curiosity led him th... [ Continue Reading ]
JESUS BEFORE HIS PERSECUTORS John 18:19-24 Annas was the father-in-law of the high priest. For many years he had worn the high priest's robes, and though now he had nominally retired from his office, he still kept his hands on the reins. He was the most powerful factor in the high-priestly circles... [ Continue Reading ]
PILATE'S WEAK EVASION John 18:25-32 It may be that while Peter was thus denying his Lord, Jesus was passing from Annas to Caiaphas, and in doing so cast on the stumbling disciple that look of mingled sorrow and love which broke his heart. John does not dwell on the trial before Caiaphas, because t... [ Continue Reading ]
THE KING OF TRUTH John 18:33-40 There was a tone of satire in Pilate's question: “Thou poor, worn, tear-stained outcast, forsaken by every friend in this hour of need- _art thou a king?_ ” Human ears have never heard more majestic words than our Lord's reply. But when He said, _My kingdom is not o... [ Continue Reading ]