John 18:1. When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.
Our Lord could not cross that «brook Cedron» without being reminded of the time when David went that way in the hour of his sorrow, though he knew that he had to face a far greater trial than that of David. The very brook would remind him of his approaching sacrifice, for through it flowed the blood and refuse from the temple.
John 18:2. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
The place of our Lord's frequent retirement for private prayer was well known to Judas, who had often gone there with his Lord and his fellow disciples.
John 18:3. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
How completely the traitor must have been in the power of Satan, and how hardened and callous he must have grown, that he could lead «thither» the men who were going to arrest the Saviour! Truly it was by wicked hands that Christ was taken, and crucified, and slain; yet, unconsciously, these evil men were carrying out «the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God.» How strangely were they equipped for their deed of darkness! «With lanterns and torches and weapons.» They were coming to the Light of the world bearing «lanterns and torches»; and armed with «weapons» that they might use against «the Lamb of God.» If he had wished to deliver himself, all their «weapons» would have been in vain, and their «lanterns and torches» would not have revealed him, even with the help of the full moon, which was probably shining at the time.
John 18:4-5. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
Notice, dear friends, that the word «he» is in italics, showing that it is not in the original. Our Lord here twice used the name of Jehovah, I AM, as he did on certain other memorable occasions. It was most fitting that, as he was going out to die, he should declare that it was no mere man who was about to suffer on the cross, but that, while he was truly man, he was also «very God of very God.»
John 18:6. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
The simple utterance of his name drove them from him, and smote them to the earth; what would have happened if he had put forth his almighty power?
John 18:7-9. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: that the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.
This exposition consisted of readings from John 17:1.; and John 18:1-9.