John 18 Amy Katterson

Chapters 1-12 unfolded the public ministry of Jesus, as He revealed Himself in words and works from the Father, over 3 years’ time.  Then, in chapters 13-17, the lens focused in on one single evening, as Jesus comforts and prepares the hearts of His disciples for the great climax of His ministry and life. He serves them, teaches them, and prays for them. And now, as we turn to John 18, the action rolls forward as Jesus moves to the moment of glory and agony that He has prepared them for. As we walk through the sections of this chapter, I’m going to periodically insert a brief reading from the Old Testament, primarily from the psalms of lament. As Jesus, the Lamb of God, goes to His death, He is loving His own to the end. I hope that you will hear in the emotion and ache of these laments the deep, unstoppable love of God as Jesus is poured out so that He might take you in.

1. Betrayed: Jesus meets His betrayer in the garden (1-3)
2. Unprotected: Jesus delivers His followers and refuses deliverance (4-11)
3. Tried: Trials 1 and 2: Jesus before the Jews (12-14, 19-24)
4. Denied: Peter denies Jesus three times (15-18, 25-27)
5. Tried: Trial 3: Jesus before the Romans (28-38a)
6. Exchanged: Pilate offers release; the people choose Barabbas (38b-40)