John 18:1-27, They Should Have Known Better

Introduction

Main Proposition

We must realize whether in rebellion, ignorance, or accident, we all fail to live up to Christ's standard.  Yet, Christ, in His grace continues to provide for this who call upon his name.

Main Body

Setting the Stage (V. 1)

• In verse 1 we see that the stage has been set for the most significant event in history. Ancient drama utilized dynamic entrances and exits to highlight narrative development. In verse 1 we see a dramatic exit from the farewell discourse and a dramatic entrance into the garden. The narrative has shifted and something new is about to be revealed.
• John chooses not to even mention the name of the garden, we know it as Gethsemane, but for John, the name is irrelevant what matters to John is the significance.

• John presents Jesus, like Adam, in a garden about to face the most significant test of obedience to the Father. However, unlike Adam, Jesus willingly surrenders His will to the Father and provides salvation. Where the first Adam failed, the second Adam will triumph.
• "the first garden was the place where death was born out of life," in a complete reversal of order, "the second garden is the place where life was born out of death."

Judas Should Have Known Better (V. 2-6)

Judas knew Christ's Teaching (V. 2)

• V2. Just as in the first garden the serpent entered to betray God, here Judas enters to betray Christ (both of course backed by Satan). Back in John 6:71 Judas had been identified as the betrayer, now the narrative would reach conclusion as the betrayer enters the scene.

• John emphasizes that Judas knew the place because Judas had been there with Jesus many times. We must not understate the betrayal. Judas knew Christ, His teaching, His works. Judas knew exactly where Christ would be.

Judas Consented to the crucifixion (V. 4-6)

Notice that on two occasions Jesus asks "whom are you seeking?" Jesus forced the people to admit that it was Jesus they were arresting, not the disciples or any other followers. Jesus, the God of the universe alone was the one with whom they had issue.

The Jews Should Have Known Better (V. 12-14, 19-24, 28)

The Jews Rejected the Truth (V. 24, 28)

• See Also Matthew 26:57-68

Conclusion

• People failed Jesus in three distinct ways

Klink, Edward W. John: Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016. 733