John 18:10–14 (WEL) Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11 Jesus then said to Peter, “Put away your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?” 12 Then the group of soldiers, their captain, and the temple police from the Jews took Jesus and tied him up. 13 They led him away to Annas first, because he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who gave counsel to the Jews, that it was better that one man should die for the people.
V10 Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
Earlier Jesus had asked, “How many swords do we have?” See Luke 22:36–38.
Why did Jesus imply this then rebuke Peter in verse 11? Because He wanted to teach the Apostles and us, that we do not wage physical war but spiritual war (Ephesians 6:12, 2 Corinthians 10:3, and 1 Peter 5:8). Our weapon and safety equipment are found in Ephesians 6:10–18.
By mentioning the name of the injured, John reveals that he is an eyewitness.
V11 Jesus then said to Peter, “Put away your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?”
It is amazing that Peter was willing to fight and die for the Lord Jesus. Contrast him with Judas Iscariot, who was not willing to do so, but he was willing to betray Jesus.
Which disciple are you?
The cup refers to an offering (1 Corinthians 5:7). Compare Genesis 35:14 and Numbers 29:11). Compare Philippians 2:17 (Paul’s offering). (Dictionary of Bible Themes) “A sacrificial offering of wine poured out at the foot of the altar, to accompany a burnt, fellowship, or grain offering.”
(Zondervan Dictionary of Biblical Imagery) The cup of God’s wrath that represents the anger of God at rebellion and sin should never have fallen on his Son. Yet this request fell from Jesus’ lips as he dropped to his knees in prayer: “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matt. 26:39). Jesus did drink the cup of divine wrath in our place so that we might truly enjoy the cup of our salvation.
Jesus offered His body as the Passover Lamb for all believers. The benefits flowing from Jesus’ offering are salvation if any human will believe and place their faith and trust in Jesus alone (Luke 18:13–14) after God initiates salvation (John 6:44 and John 16:8).
V12 Then the group of soldiers, their captain, and the temple police from the Jews took Jesus and tied him up.
Jesus was a willing captive. Compare Matthew 26:53.
Principle: We must be faithful and obedient to whatever God has commissioned us to do.
It seems strange to me that they thought tying Him would prevent Him from escape. He had already answered “I AM,” and the soldiers and guards had fallen backwards.
Principle: Sin and hate often blind us to truth.
V13 They led him away to Annas first, because he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.
A few words about Annas:
“(Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary) Although Annas was deposed by Valerius Gratus, the Procurator of Judea, about A.D. 15, he was still the most influential of the priests and continued to carry the title of high priest (Luke 3:2; Acts 4:6).
After his removal, Annas was officially succeeded by each of his five sons, one grandson, and his son-in-law CAIAPHAS, the high priest who presided at the trial of Jesus (Matthew 26:3, Matthew 26:57; John 18:13–14). During His trial, Jesus was first taken to Annas, who then sent Jesus to Caiaphas (John 18:13, 24). Both Annas and Caiaphas were among the principal examiners when Peter and John were arrested (Acts 4:6).”
A few words about Caiaphas:
“(Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary) “the high priest of Israel appointed about A.D. 18 by the Roman procurator, Valerius Gratus. Caiaphas and his father-in-law, Annas, were high priests when John the Baptist began his preaching (Matthew 26:3, 57; Luke 3:2). Caiaphas also was a member of the Sadducees.”
“After Jesus raised LAZARUS from the dead, the Jewish leaders became alarmed at Jesus’ increasing popularity. The SANHEDRIN quickly called a meeting, during which Caiaphas called for Jesus’ death. As High Priest, Caiaphas’ words carried great authority, and his counsel was followed (John 11:49–53). Subsequently, Caiaphas plotted the arrest of Jesus ( Matthew 26:3–4) and was a participant in the illegal trial of Jesus (Matthew 26:57–68).”
V14 Caiaphas was the one who gave counsel to the Jews, that it was better that one man should die for the people.
He was referring to killing Jesus being better than a slaughter of the Jews by the Romans. God refers to this as Jesus being the sacrificial lamb.
Matthew Henry writes:
“The malice of Caiaphas, which is intimated (John 18:14) by the repeating of what he had said some time before, that, right or wrong, guilty or innocent, it was expedient that one man should die for the people, which refers to the story John 11:50. This comes in here to show, (1.) What a bad man he was; this was that Caiaphas that governed himself and the church by rules of policy, in defiance of the rules of equity. (2.) What ill usage Christ was likely to meet with in his court, when his case was adjudged before it was heard, and they were already resolved what to do with him; he must die; so that his trial was a jest. Thus the enemies of Christ’s gospel are resolved, true or false, to run it down. (3.) It is a testimony to the innocency of our Lord Jesus, from the mouth of one of his worst enemies, who owned that he fell a sacrifice to the public good, and that it was not just he should die, but expedient only.”
We learn:
- Not to use physical weapons or threats to convert people.
- Suffering is to be expected by believers.
- How hate for Jesus, God the Son, affects people and the world.
Questions:
- Have you ever been tempted to use physical violence on people who disagree with you?
- How do you handle persecutions?