Jesus: The Abandoned One (18:1-27)

Bible Passage: John 18:1-27

It is at this point in John’s gospel that we move on from Jesus’ farewell discourse to his disciples and see things move towards his crucifixion. In this passage, we see Jesus arrested, questioned by the high priest, and let down in different ways by his disciples. In this sermon, we will explore how Jesus was left abandoned by the actions of three different individuals: Judas, the high priest and Peter.

Betrayed by Judas – The passage begins with Jesus and the disciples going into the garden. This was a familiar place for them, but Judas chose to betray the trust of the group and bring armed soldiers into the space he knew his so-called friends would be. Jesus knew what was happening, but did not run or fight. He stepped forward and made known to them who he was. Peter tried to resist with violence, but was rebuked by Jesus, who knew that what was about to happen was the Father’s will and was the reason why he had come. This highlights how the evil of human sin and the sovereign plan of God come together in the arrest of Jesus.

Bound by the High Priest – When Jesus was brought to the high priest, he was questioned about his ministry . No charge of wrongdoing could be brought against Jesus, and everything Jesus had done had been in the open. Nevertheless, the high priest ordered that Jesus be struck and had him bound. In doing this, he was inadvertently fulfilling a prophecy he had made previously that it is better for one person to die for the people. In this account we see the corruption of human power, and the refusal to give true justice when it doesn’t fit the agenda of those in authority.

Denied by Peter – Despite having previously asserted that he would be with Jesus to the end, Peter let Jesus down at the key moment. He was in the high priests’ courtyard while Jesus was standing trial, but when asked about it claimed that he was not one of Jesus’ disciples. He repeated this three times. It is clear that Peter was not thinking straight, and the shock of what was happening that night perhaps left him paralysed. Nevertheless, Peter denied Jesus, and at this most crucial moment Jesus was left all alone and abandoned.

Potential Applications:

• These responses to Jesus might bring to mind for people moments that they have let him down or abandoned him as well. You could lead people into a time of repentance and restoration.
• There is a challenge about being public in our faith. We may face the same kind of question that Peter was asked. Do we have a better answer than his?
• You could apply this to those who have known betrayal or abandonment by others. Jesus known what this is like. You could offer to pray for people that Jesus would draw close to them in the midst of what they are going through.