Guilt and Grace in the Garden John 18:1-27 Chapter 7

The private ministry of Jesus Christ with the disciples has now ended. 5 symbols in the passage The garden – obedience (18:1) The garden of Gethsemane Human history began in the garden: first sin Adam & Eve were cast out of the garden of Eden (Gen. 2:8) The last Adam (Jesus) was obedient as He went to Gethsemane Phil. 2:8-He was “obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

– History will end in another garden, the heavenly city as described in Rev. 21 & 22 Garden of delight & satisfaction No more death & curse The river of water of life will flow & the tree of life will produce bountiful fruit – Gethsemane means “oil press” Picture of suffering & judgment Kidron Valley is located east of Jerusalem between city wall & Mount Olivet Kidron means dusky, gloomy referring to the dark water stained by blood from temple sacrifices Kidron: King David crossed the brook for he was rejected by his nation & betrayed by Absalom

– Jesus was rejected by His people & betrayed by Judas, His disciple – David’s counselor, Ahithophel hanged himself (2 Sam. 18:9- 17)& Absalom was hanged & killed as was Judas (Matt. 27:3- 10) – At the garden, Jesus took James, John, & Peter to pray, but they fell asleep instead of encouraging & companionship – Likewise, Christians boast of their devotion to Jesus & fail miserably when trial comes

– The Kiss – Treachery (18:2-9) The traitor brought a company of temple guards, armed with swords & clubs (Matt. 26:55) Judas betrayed by kissing Jesus (Matt. 26:48-49) Jesus shocked the officers by boldly presenting Himself to them “I am He” A kiss was a sign of affection and devotion concerning Jesus, it was a deception & the basest treachery of all.

– The Sword – Rebellion (18:10) Peter had a small sword and cut off Malchus’ ear (Luke 22:35-38). Jesus healed his ear (Luke 22:51), (Lord’s last miracle before the cross). Peter’s sword symbolizes rebellion against the will of God. Demonstration of zeal without knowledge. Jesus had no need of Peter’s sword for He could have called legions of angels to deliver Him (Matt. 2:52-54) Material swords couldn’t be used in spiritual battles; the sword of the spirit (Heb. 4:12, Eph. 6:17) Ignorant Christians could hurt the testimony of Christ

– The Cup-Submission (18:11-14) Jesus was accepting God’s will “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39) The cup represented suffering Jesus endured and the separation from the Father that He experienced on the cross. Drinking a cup is often used in the Scriptures to illustrate suffering & sorrow (Isa. 51:17, Jer. 25:15-28).

Cup can be described for consolation (Jer. 6:17) and as overflowing cup of overflowing joy (Ps. 23:5) Blood (Matt. 26:27-28) Trophies designed like cups: winners have to go trough demanding experiences Ps. 40:8- “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart” Never fear the cup that the Father gives to us for He prepares in love and our Savior already drank the cup. Jesus gave Himself to the enemies Annas-Caiaphas

Trial was illegal & brutal False witness: Jewish law required witnesses be called before a prisoner was questioned. Annas defied the law – Example of suffering: I Peter 2:19-25, 4:12-19 – The Fire-Denial (18:15-17) Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him 3 times (Matt. 26:34; John 13:38), but that he would come back and serve Him (Luke 22:32) Fire? He moved into the place of temptation & sin (Matt. 26:41) Peter followed the crowd

He stood with the enemy by the fire (John 18:16, 18), then sat with the enemy (Luke 22:55). Psalm 1:1 A servant girl asked if he was one of Jesus’ disciples. He remained by the fire. Another servant girl asked. Third question from one of Malchus’ relatives (Matt. 26:73; Mark 14:70) Peter broke down & curses (Matt. 26:74) Rooster crowed & Peter wept recalling Jesus’ words Cock crowing was an invitation to repentance

Luke 2:32-when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Jesus turned when cock crowed (Luke 22:61) Cock crowing was the announcement of the dawning of a new day Ps. 30:5-“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” Peter & Judas – Comparison Peter wept over his sins & wept. Judas admitted his sing, but never really repented Judas had a remorse, but not repentance Judas left the upper room at night (John 13:30)

Peter wept bitterly & it was the dawning of a new day Godly sorrow leads to repentance The sorrow of the world (regret & remorse) leads to death (II Cor. 7:9-10) Jesus restored Peter & gave him blessing & power John 21 & Acts 2 In the garden – guilt & grace – Peter – Judas – Mob What is in your hands today – the sword or the cup?

1.What are some of the symbols that give shape to our lives every day? 2.Read John 18:1-27. The garden and the cup are symbols connected to Jesus in this passage. How do they reflect obedience and submission? 3.Judas’ kiss symbolizes treachery. What impression do you get of Jesus as He responds to Judas and the soldiers? 4.Have you ever experienced betrayal? If so. Compare your response to Jesus’.

1.What is significant about the symbols connected with Peter? 2.What mistakes did Peter make? 3.How do we make the same mistakes in our own lives? 4.What evidences of guilt and grace do you find in this passage? 5.How is God calling you to obedience and submission-or away from rebellion and denial-this week?