John 18:1-11
Jesus Arrested
1When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.
2Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"
5"Jesus of Nazareth," they replied.
"I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
7Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?"
And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
8"I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." 9This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."
10Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)
11Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
Jesus prays often...God was always on His mind...God is always in His thoughts...His mind is on the eternities and heaven and His Father's Kingdom...God was the center of His life...Jesus left with His disciples and crossed Kidron Valley and they all went into an olive grove...The olive branch is a symbol of peace...The whole olive grove represents the most peaceful of peace, yet He will soon be arrested...
Judas betrays Him and brings the arresting authorities to the olive grove...The soldiers and officials from the chief priests and Pharisees arrest Him...This group is carrying torches, lanterns, and weapons...Jesus asks them who they want...The officials say Jesus of Nazareth...Jesus says "I AM He....If you are looking for Me, then let these men go...I have not lost one of those You gave Me."...However, Peter, who has a sword, takes it out, and strikes the high priest's servant, named Malchus, and cuts off his right ear...Jesus commands Peter to put his sword away, for He must drink the cup His Father has given Him...
Jesus was divine...He performed many miracles...He could have struck all the arresting officials dead, but that was not God's plan...He could have saved Himself...Instead He chooses to save us from our sins by dying on the cross...He was sinless...We are the guilty ones...He was arrested for us...