In the Garden, But Not Alone

It is not unusual for me to ask hospice patients what their favorite hymn is. For the reply to be In the Garden is not at all unusual. That old song looks ahead with joy at the thought of abiding with Jesus in heaven forever. For that to happen, Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane before going to the cross. The events of that night seemed more appropriate for rough city streets than for a garden.

We understand that when a person is arrested there is typically very good reason for it. Sometimes arrests are peaceful and other times they can be violent. Sometimes they lead to consequences and other times the one arrested is released with no further results. There have been occasions where the wrong person is arrested. Jesus should have never been arrested because he was beyond innocent. Not only did he not commit a crime, but he is perfect in every way.

There is no doubt that the way Jesus prayed in John 17 prepared him to face the garden actions of John 18. Jesus knew what he had to go through to accomplish our salvation and it was about to unfold in a beautiful place. The text indicates that the location was familiar to Judas because Jesus had often met there with his disciples (18:2). Maybe in the past they went there for more privacy from the crowds or perhaps Jesus liked the location because of its beauty and his reminder of his handiwork in creation. No doubt he was no longer doing anything to hide himself because Judas knew where to go.

Judas certainly was not alone (3). There is no way to be sure how many were in this group, but it would be safe to say there were perhaps several dozen at least. There would have been no problems in seeing them coming since they were carrying torches and lanterns. And soldiers would naturally carry weapons. Jesus’ heart must have been pounding at the site, even in the darkness. Darkness was appropriate for Judas and this group. However, there is no doubt that Jesus remained resolute in knowing what had to happen.

Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want (4)?” Take note of several things here. As sovereign God, Jesus knew all that was going to take place. The eternal Son of God willingly left heaven for this purpose. What an excruciating thing that must have been for him to think about. It is also interesting to know that he went out to them and asked them a question. There was no hiding or waiting for them. Jesus took the initiative. He obviously knew the answer to his question as to who they want. He put someone in the position to answer that question and to make a move. It reminds me of a question in another garden. The Lord asked Adam and Eve where they were. Their exact location was well known to him. The drama in this garden is incredible at this point. And it was apparently a group answer to the question. “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.

Jesus identified himself succinctly with Judas standing there with the arresting mob. They were either shocked with his honest admission as to his identity or were uncertain what to do next, so they drew back and fell to the ground. In about four days a few more soldiers would be falling to the ground when coming face to face with deity.

Jesus repeated his question, and they repeated their answer (7). It was certainly a strange interaction. Jesus did not want his disciples to be arrested so he reminded the authorities that he is the one they’re looking for and that the followers should be let go. Jesus was being practical and prophetic here in assuring that none of the disciples would be harmed at this point (9). There was no indication that the soldiers would not honor Jesus’ request, but Peter wasn’t taking any chances. Never one to think before he acted, Peter took matters into his own hands. In this case, an inaccurate hand that held a sword. While I wouldn’t want a sword chopping off my ear, it sure beats a slice in the neck or sword poke in the chest. It is not known why Peter went after this man named Malchus, but he would have been an easier target than a Roman soldier.

Jesus did not appreciate Peter’s response of violence. Jesus knew that his time had come. Though he prayed earlier for the possibility of the cup passing from him, now he was resolute in the fact that he would carry out his mission from the Father (11). We must wonder if those who heard these words of Jesus saw it as blasphemy or started connecting the dots that this really was the son of God who wanted to do his Father’s will. Once he made this statement, the arrest was carried out (12). Imagine what it would have been like not only for Jesus but Peter and the other 11 disciples. Judas had to have been sick. Not long ago, Jesus was instructing them and praying for them. Now he was bound to eventually be tried and beaten. Afterall, ultimately it would be good if one man died for the people (14). Of course, Jesus of Nazareth wasn’t just any man. He left that garden willingly so that he could go to the cross so that whoever believes in him would not be separated from God but have everlasting life!