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."

Judas has already worked out the details of the betrayal agreement with the Sanhedrin, and He is on his way back to the place where he knows that Jesus and the disciples will be. Judas had with him a squad of guards from the temple that the Romans had allowed the Sanhedrin to have with them. The Sanhedrin was the supreme council of the Jewish Temple and its people. This was the political connection from the very government itself to the religious community.

Judas with these guards are on their way to take Jesus Christ into captivity. The only way this was possible was the fact that Jesus allowed it to happen. Everything that will happen from now through the time of the resurrection and ascension will be in fulfillment of prophecy. It was written that it must come to pass. It was for our sake, and salvation that Jesus allowed it all to happen.

This brook of "Cedron" is also known as "Kidron" in the Old Testament, such as in the verse II Samuel 15:23 and elsewhere. This is the brook that King David crossed over with a few faithful followers, when they fled from Absalom. The word "Kidron" means "a winter torrent" and is so named because of the winter torrents that fill the brook. Kidron is located at the head of the valley of Jehoshaphat, and in the Hebrew tongue, Jehoshaphat means "whom YHVH judges".

The "garden" spoken of here is the "garden of Gethsemane". "Gethesemane" means "oil press"in the Greek, but the word is used to indicate a small farm. It was located at the foot of the "Mount of Olives". Why would Jesus go to the "oil press" for His last moments with His disciples?

It is from the "oil" of the "oil press" that the very symbol of the oil of our people comes. "Olive oil" is the oil that is to be used for the anointing of our selves and our homes. It is the olive oil that the ten virgins were to use in the final days of this earth age to prepare themselves for the coming of the bridegroom, Jesus Christ. and that olive oil is the symbol of the truth of God's Word. This is why we ask Father to bless the oil, and used it in anointing.

That oil press called the garden is where the oil of God's people comes from, and it is the very Word of God, and when you take it into your lamp, or the reservoir of your mind, then you will prepare yourself for the events of the final days of this earth age, and not be deceived by the Antichrist and His religious system that is now forming in the world.

So we see that Jesus is setting in motion here the deliverance and the judgment for mankind. This is pointed out in Hebrews 2:14; "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil." By Christ's death on the cross, all power that Satan has over us will be destroyed, and we will be set apart from the devil and his realm.

My fellow Chriatian, when Jesus returns it will be from this hill overlooking this valley that Jesus will be judging in the Millennium age.

John 18:2 "And Judas also, which betrayed Him, knew the place: for Jesus of times resorted thither with His disciples."

Judas should know the place, for this is the place where Jesus taught many of the vital lessons dealing with the times of the end, and warning even our generation that we not be deceived by the Antichrist. There is a lot of symbology given in this location, and also in the very names to the things and places is a lesson in itself.

There is a time coming very shortly when this location will be the center again of world attention, and a supernatural man, Satan in his role as the Antichrist will set up his religious order and rule from this location. Satan is a fake, and as such, he will present himself in the manner of Christ's second coming. By his doing so the entire world will be deceived by his supernatural wonders and deceptive acts. This betrayal of the end times is not far off, yet the Christian world simply refuses to prepare for it.

Remember that the "garden of Gethesemane" is part of the "Mount of Olives". It is this mount that Zechariah 14:4 says; "And His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley, and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south."

This earthquake shall open a way right through to the east gate, across the brook of Kidron, the very trail that Jesus and His disciples walked on this day. On that "Day of the Lord", at the seventh trumpet, all those that are sealed of God will be there with Him.

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."

This wasn't a military operation, but a band of rough-necks, given the go-ahead by the Kenite Jewish religious leaders to go get Jesus and bring Him in. Every one of them had killing on his mind. Most of these men were just a bunch of rebel rousers, with Judas leading the way, with his money pouch filled with thirty pieces of silver. These are the same ones that will be crying"crucify Him" very soon.

John 18:4 "Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon Him, went forth, and said unto them, "Whom seek ye?"

Did you get that? "Jesus therefore, knowing all things..." There were no surprises to Jesus about anything that happened on that day or any day, especially those things that surrounded the crucifixion. Jesus didn't hide at their coming, but went right up to them and asked them who they were looking for.

John 18:5 "They answered Him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus saith unto them, "I am [He]." And Judas also, which betrayed Him, stood with them."

When Jesus came towards them, I can just see them stagger backwards in fright. The word "He" was added by the translators, for Jesus answer by the name "I am", which is the sacred name of God.

John 18:6 "As soon then as He had said unto them, "I am" [He], they went backward, and fell to the ground."

Jesus very declaration of the sacred name caused them to fall backward to the ground. Christ was in full control of everything that took place. He could have spoken again and they would have run like a bunch of jack rabbits; But He did not, for this was the appointed hour that He came to earth, and lived in the flesh for. The time of His sacrifice on the cross was drawing close. He did it all because of His great love for you and me. He loves all of His children of the world, and these things had to come to pass.

John 18:7 "Then asked He them again, "Whom seek ye?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."

Here these bunch of temple guards are rolling around on the ground with their sticks and rakes, and trying to put some form of order to their murderous mission, and Jesus asks them again who they are looking for. Can't you see this stammering bunch of misfits spouting out together,"Jesus of Nazareth".

John 18:8 "Jesus answered, "I have told you that I am [He]: if therefore ye seek Me, let these go their way:"

Notice again the "He" has been added in by the translators, and Jesus is using title name "I am" identifying Him as God. Jesus is still in control, and in tells the guards to let His disciples go, and He will go with them. Even when Jesus is on His way to the cross, He is still thinking of His disciples and followers. Today He is still thinking of you, one of His followers. He knew that He had to go through this, but it was for all of our benefits.

John 18:9 "That the saying might be fulfilled, which He spake, "Of them which Thou gavest Me have I lost none."

This shows us the purpose. It is important that you know and remember what this word "lost" means in the Greek. In the Strong's concordance it is # 622, "Apollumi, ap-ol'-loo-mee; from the base #575, to destroy fully, to perish, destroy, die, lose, perish."

This is the strongest Greek form that can be used to show the destruction and perishing of one. This word is the base word for one of Satan's names, "Apollyon". Revelation 9:11; "And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit [Satan], whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon."

The way "lost" is used in the manuscripts means "irrevocably lost". This is why it is important to guard your words when you state that someone is lost, for many will be saved at the end, and even in the Millennium age, through their time of teaching and discipline. There is no one lost to this degree yet, except Satan. I didn't say that nobody was going to hell, for there will be many going there, but their time of Judgment is after the Millennium age, and the great white throne judgment, and then all those souls that go to hell will go there of their own choosing. The judgment has not taken place yet.

That is not your or my position to judge any soul, and doom anyone's soul to perish, for only God can cause the death of the soul, the second death.

Revelation 20:11 "And I saw a great white throne, and Him That sat on it, from Whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them."

Revelation 20:12 "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the bookswere opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."

The living, those saved and whose names are written in the "book of life" are not judged here, notice that it is the lost, the "spiritually dead" souls that are judged here by their works.

Revelation 20:13 "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

Here again, "according to their works". These are not the souls of the saved, but they are the souls of the dead, spiritually dead.

Revelation 20:14 "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death."

This second death is the death of the soul, it is the spiritual death of all lost souls in the Lake of fire.

Revelation 20:15 "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

That "book of life", is also called the "Lamb's book of life", and Jesus is becoming the sacrificial Lamb in these last few chapters of this Gospel of John. There is only one way to have your name written in that book, and that is through your repentance to the heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for He became our sacrifice on the cross. If you are just too good to come to the Father in Jesus name, then these five verses of Revelation 20:11-15 apply to you.

There are certain souls that the Father gave to the Son, Jesus Christ, and He desires for none of them to be lost. If you are in the flesh you are one of them. Today the "son of perdition" is the only one that is lost, and he is Satan. This is why we are not to judge on this matter, for the judging of the soul is the matter for God's attention. Though we may be called upon to judge matters pertaining the flesh of a person, we are not to judge the person's soul.

John 18:10 "Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus."

We will see later that a relative of Malchus was present at this time and will be one of the accusers of Peter as being a disciple of Jesus. This was one of the three denials by Peter of being one of Jesus disciples. When Peter drew the sword, He thought he was protecting Jesus and acting in His defense. There was nothing wrong with this action of defense, however the time had come for Jesus to be taken and prepared for the sacrifice. That was Jesus stated purpose from the time of the foundation of this earth age.

Peter wore a sword to protect himself and others with him, while walking the roads from city to city. This was a natural thing to do, and that is exactly how Jesus did things. Christianity is not a religion but a reality, and when you live in reality, you must protect yourself from the other realities around you. Yes, you must love your enemies, and discipline and protection is part of that love for them.

John 18:11 "Then said Jesus unto Peter, "Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?"

Jesus is asking Peter, are you trying to prevent this cup that I am about to take? We know from Luke 22:51 that Jesus took Malthus and touched his ear and healed his ear. "And Jesus answered and said, "Suffer ye thus far." And He touched his ear, and healed him."

John 18:12 "Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound Him,"

The term "Jews" used here is "Ioudaios" in the Greek text, and this word "Jews" means "one living in the boundaries of the land of Judaea." It does not represent one of the offspring of the tribe of Judah, as the Kenites were in control of the temple at this period of time. Even the Roman guards themselves are part of those called "Ioudaios, living in the land of Judaea". It was the Kenites that pushed the issue from their positions of leadership in the Temple, as scribes, priests, and Pharisees. Even the Kenites called themselves Jews, because they lived in Judaea.

John 18:13 "And led Him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year."

Jesus is delivered up, and taken away to the House of Annas for the purpose of fixing the charges that will be brought against Jesus to get the death sentence. The "high priest" position was a political position that was appointed by the Roman governor, and this religious position was used in the control of the people. Annas had been in Caiaphas' position some three years earlier, and there were three other men that had filled the position of high priest before Caiaphas assumed the position.

Caiaphas was appointed by Valerius Gratus, as this political position required a legal mind. The religious part was secondary because the people of Judaea had a religious form of government. Our Lord Jesus Christ was taken to Annas first, because his experience in the Law would better enable him to formulate in plotting the charges against Jesus, to cause His death.

John 18:14 "Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people."

Remember back in John 11:50; "Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not". It was stated that the high priest should state certain things pertaining to the crucifixion, and even though Caiaphas was dead set against stating the words, this statement that "one man should die for the people" came out of his mouth by the Holy Spirit. The words were spoken so that the written Word would be fulfilled.

John 11:51 "And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;"

John 11:52 "And not for that nation only, but that also He should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad."

This should strengthen your faith in Christ as we know that everything that did happen then, and that will happen today is under the control of the Father, and the direction of the Holy Spirit. Even though Caiaphas was against what he said, "that it was expedient that one man should die for the people." The Holy Spirit controlled the words that came from his lips, that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.

John 18:15 "And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest."

The other disciple that followed Simon Peter and Jesus into the palace of the high priest could only have been either Nicodemus or Joseph of Arimathaea, for both were members of the Sanhedrin, and well known to the Caiaphas the high priest. Nicodemus was the rich ruler that came to Christ by night, as we read of in John 3, and Joseph of Arimathaea was the rich relative of Mary that had the kinsman right to claim the body of Christ, following the crucifixion.

Luke 23:50 "And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:"

Luke 23:51 "(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God."

In fact, Caiaphas could have even invited either of these men into the inner part of the court, for they were both part of that high religious council.

John 18:16 "But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter."

This other disciple stated in John 18:15, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathaea both knew Peter, and sent the invitation to Peter to join them for the trial. The reason that we want to keep tabs on Peter here, is that Peter is about to deny Christ three times before the cock crew.

John 18:17 "Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, "Art not thou also one of this Man's disciples?" He [Peter] saith, "I am not."

This is the first time that Peter denied Christ. I feel that it was for our benefit that God had Peter deny Christ three times, for Peter would have rather died then deny his Lord. Why would this be? To keep us on guard that we don't get too sure of ourselves, and stay humble before the Lord.

The time is coming very shortly when we will be in that same position that Peter was in, and the time of testing will be upon the whole world. The Antichrist will stand and rule from Jerusalem, and each of God's sealed elect will be called upon to give account of their relationship to Jesus Christ. When the entire world has accepted Satan as the true Christ, they want to know why you have rejected this fake Christ.

When your knowledge and faith in the Word grows so strong, then you will not have to fear anyone. Then all the power of Satan, and all his realm will simply not have any affect on you, for your power is in the Spirit of the Living God, the Holy Spirit. It should be a pleasure to you to drive all negative things our of your life. It is called discipline when you take charge and full control of your life, and that God is in charge of both you, and the world.

John 18:18 "And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself."

The servants and officers were outside, away from the religious leaders that were inside preparing for the trial. Peter had denied Christ once, and now went outside to warm himself by the fire next to the very ones that had taken Jesus from the garden earlier. Peter was starting to get warm and cozy next to the fire, trying to remain hidden from the others.

John 18:19 "The high priest then asked Jesus of His disciples, and of His doctrine."

While Peter was warm near the fire outside, Caiaphas the high priest was turning to Jesus inside, and asking Him just what it was that He and His disciples had been teaching, and just what they stood for. Caiaphas wanted to know if Jesus was teaching rebellion. Caiaphas' main complaint was that Jesus was out there doing many miracles, and going against these religious Kenite leaders' tradition, because they were starting to lose money at the collection box, and the sale of those mite infested birds. Caiaphas was jealous for he was the chief religious leader, and yet he had no power to do the works and miracles of Christ.

John 18:20 "Jesus answered him, "I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synogague, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing."

Jesus is saying that there is nothing secret about what I have done, I declared what I did to the world, and even in the synagogue and temple. Caiaphas was treating Jesus as if He was ahead of some secret movement, yet Jesus told him outright that He had done nothing in secret. Everything that Jesus declared, He declared it before the world and their religious realm.

John 18:21 "Why askest thou Me? ask them which heard Me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said."

Jesus made His teaching well known to those that would listen, yet the minds of the Kenites and religious leaders were so blinded that they never knew nor understood anything that Jesus taught. Then here after three years of listening to Jesus teaching, they have no one to stand and bear witness before this court as to what Jesus taught. Jesus is now telling them that if they want to know what He taught, go out to the street and ask those that heard Me. Remember there were many thousands of people that heard every word that was said, at the feeding of the thousands with the bread and the fishes, to the teaching in the Temple.

John 18:22 "And when He had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, "Answerest Thou the high priest so?"

Keep in mind that Jesus Christ was bound, and could not defend Himself when this officer struck Him with the palm of his hand, and ordered Jesus to answer the high priest. 

Remember that this high priest was not appointed by God, he was appointed by the Roman governor Valerius Gratus for the purpose of controlling the religious population of the Jews for Rome. Even the name Caiaphas means "depression", and it is depressing to even be around him.

John 18:23 "Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou Me?"

Jesus turned to this bully and asked him, Why are you hitting Me?

John 18:24 "Now Annas had sent Him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest."

Jesus is still bound as Jesus is passed from Caiaphas the high priest, to Annas, and now back to Caiaphas.

John 18:25 "And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, "Art not thou also one of His disciples?" He [Peter] denied it, and said, I am not."

We know that Peter cursed as he denied Christ this second time. Remember that this witness was the relative of Malchur, the one in the garden that Peter cut his ear off. Of course he recognized Peter.

John 18:26 "One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, "Did not I see thee in the garden with Him?"

Remember back in John 18:10 when Peter cut of the ear of Malchus? Well this servant that is accusing Peter here, again he was the kinsman of Malchus, and of course he saw his kinsman's ear cut off, and heal on the spot. No one could forget such a thing; Yet, Peter is faced with that action he took earlier that evening when he drew his sword.

John 18:27 "Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew."

When Peter denied Jesus this third time, the cock crew immediately. Remember back in John 13:38 Jesus told Peter; "...Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied Me thrice."

How did Jesus know this old rooster would hold off his crewing until this time? Have you ever thought about that? God is in control of the whole world, and He does keep His word.

This denial of Jesus Christ was not the unforgivable` sin. In Luke 12:10 we read; "And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven."

When Jesus Christ walked the earth and taught, many talked against Christ, only later to repent and be converted. They were forgiven. However, in these latter days when the Elect of God, those who have the seal of God in their minds are delivered up before the synagogues of Satan, the church houses that will follow after the Antichrist system, there is no forgiveness.

Mark 13:11 "But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Spirit."

The Holy Spirit will be speaking through the Elect and sealed of God, for they are His mouthpiece. In this final generation there will not be three times to deny the Holy Spirit the use of your mouth, just once. Once you know that you are one of God's election, there are no second chances in refusing the Holy Spirit of God to use you.

I personally don't think it is possible for the true Elect of God to deny the Holy Spirit the use of their mouth, which is the blasphemeth against the Holy Spirit. This is because the Antichrist simply will not be tempting to any of God's true elect.

John 18:28 "Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the Passover."

Here you have this religious bunch of scum leading Jesus to the hall of judgment, with Caiaphas leading the pack. They have been spending much of the last three years planning the murder of Jesus Christ, and now in the past day, they were all intensely occupied with drumming up false witnesses, twisting the truth, and planning the outright murder of an innocent man. This tribe of Kenites posing as the Jewish leaders are about to deliver up the passover Lamb, which is to say Christ. They are playing one of the most demonic plots that was ever recorded by mankind.

You simply cannot blame the Romans nor Pilate the Governor, as they sat back and watched the Jewish leaders lie and scheme in their murderous plot, and even the disciples turn tail and run in their denial of Christ. Pilate spoke out and even said, "I find this man innocent" at least three times. It was the religious community that killed Christ, and it will be the religious community that turns the elect of God to the Antichrist. In both this time of Christ and the "time of the end" the lies of "the traditions of men" will be what Satan uses to trip up men and women who claim to be of Christ, but follow the traditions of men.

John 18:29 "Plate then went out unto them, and said, "What accusation bring ye against this Man?"

Pilate was a Roman office that was not familiar with the doctrines and traditions of the Jewish community. He could really care less. All Pilate wanted was to see that the peace and allegiance was kept for Rome, and to Caesar. Pilate was sent to Palestine to a land that he had considered a heathen and backward troublesome place to fulfill his tour of duty to Rome.

Pilate has no idea why the religious community had it in for this man, for he was not a religious person. Pilate looked at the whole affair as a matter of superstition. So Pilate is asking this mob of religious leaders, "What charges are you bringing against this Man?"

John 18:30 "They answered and said unto him, "If He were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered Him up unto thee."

This sort of reveals the mind of the Kenite religious type. They are saying, if we didn't think of Him as a malefactor deserving of death, we would not have brought him here in the first place. Think of it! Just the fact that they thought of it, and brought Him to Pilate makes Jesus guilty. This type of thinking even goes on today in their minds. In the mind of the Kenite, he says that they don't have to explain what they are doing, your duty is just please and satisfy us.

Pilate was a much wiser man then that, he had to have a right charge against a man before the taking of a man's life. The record would stand and be a reflection of his governing abilities.

John 18:31 "Then said Pilate unto them, "Take ye Him, and judge Him according to your law." The Jews therefore said unto Him, "It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:"

The charges against Jesus by the Jewish leaders did not fit the punishment of death that the Kenite Jewish leaders were demanding, and so these Kenites told Pilate to take Jesus back and judge Jesus by Roman law. This whole process had to be puzzling to Pilate, for he could not see that Jesus did anything wrong.

John 18:32 "That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which He spake, signifying what death He should die."

When Jesus spake of His crucifixion, He was stating the words that were written by the prophets throughout the Old Testament. Remember in Psalm 22:14; "I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint: My heart is like wax; It is melted in the midst of my bowels."

It was prophesied that Jesus bones would actually be pulled from their sockets.

Psalm 22:15; "My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; And Thou hast brought me into the dust of death."

Psalm 22:16; "For dogs [enemies] have encompassed me: The assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: They pierced my hands and my feet."

This is the description of one going yo his death on the Roman cross. There are many other places that this is also also recorded.

Genesis 3:15; "And I [God] will put enmity between thee [Satan] and the woman [Eve], and between thy seed [the Kenites] and her Seed [Jesus Christ]; It [Christ] shall bruise thy[Satan's] head, and thou [Satan] shall bruise His [Christ's] heel."

Eve's Seed is our Lord Jesus Christ. While Satan's seed are his children, to the last generation called the Kenites. Those offspring are born from the sexual union between Eve and Satan [the serpent and the tree of good and evil] that wholly seduced Eve in the Garden of Eden. God is telling us that He will put trouble between Eve's Seed [Jesus Christ [through Adam and Seth], and Satan's offspring through Cain, called the Kenites.

It is Jesus Christ that shall bruise the head of Satan, at Christ's return at the second advent; while it was Satan's children [not brother Judah] that bruised the heel of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. This was done when the spikes were driven through Christ's heel, as He hung on the cross to pay the full price for our sins, once and for all.

Most "men of God" acknowledge that Genesis 3:15 is talking about the death of Jesus Christ, when He was nailed to the cross for our sins. They recognize that "seed" is referring to the Child of Eve, yet somehow they just want to spiritualize everything else that happened in the Garden of Eden between Eve and the two men [Satan and Adam]. The "Seed" in the Hebrew is called "zirmah", and in the Greek it is "Sperma". We call this seed "sperm" in the English, and in Strong's Hebrew Dictionary # 2233; "Posterity, carnally, child, fruitful". It can't be any clearer. the seed of Satan's "posterity" are the "Kenites", while Adam's "posterity" here is in "Jesus Christ", and of the pure bloodline through Seth.

Until you understand what really took place in the Garden of Eden, and why; will you not be able to mature in God's Word, and understand who nailed Jesus to the cross.

John 18:33 "Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto Him, "Art Thou the King of the Jews?"

The problem that Pilate was having here is that there could only be one King, and he was Caesar. This is why Pilate was asking if Jesus considered Himself to be the "King of the Jews". If Jesus was to make that claim, then Pilate would find Him guilty, and deserving of death. Now listen to the words of Christ.

John 18:34 "Jesus answered him, "Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of Me?"

Jesus has already told Pilate that He had no secrets from anyone. Everything that I have taught was taught openly and publicly. Now Jesus asked Pilate if he had ever heard such a report, or did someone else tell you that I said that I was a King.

John 18:35 "Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered Thee unto me: what hast Thou done?"

Pilate answered Jesus, "Am I a Jew? Am I of your religion? How do I know what you have claimed to be? Pilate is asking Jesus to give answer to why the leaders and chief priests of His own nation have delivered Him up to be killed.

We know from Matthew 27:19 that God has touched Pilate's wife in a dream, and she was shown in a vision that Jesus was an innocent man, and she told Pilate beforehand, don't touch Him. "When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, "Have thou nothing to do with that just Man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him."

Almighty God Himself had instructed her that Jesus was an innocent man. So Pilate has a strong reason to free himself from judging Jesus.

John 18:36 "Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world: if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My kingdom not from hence."

Jesus is explaining to Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world age. He did not come as a king in this world age but as a Savior to mankind. Jesus is telling him that this is not His second advent, for on the second advent all of Christ's servants will come to make things right, and put down all evil. On that second coming Jesus will come as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

Revelation 19:11; "And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse; and He That sat upon him was called Faithful and true, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war."

This second advent is the "Day of the Lord", and the one on the white horse is Jesus Christ."Faithful and True" is the name of Christ

Revelation 19:12 "His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself."

When Christ comes to earth at the sounding of the seventh and last trump, His burning eyes are set on one thing; bringing righteousness to the earth, and vengeance and wrath on those who have ruled and cheated His people. The crowns He wore were diadems, and this was like a turban with many colors, or just pure white. This shows Jesus Christ coming back as the King.

Revelation 19:13 "And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God."

The vesture He wore was stained in the blood. His blood from His death on the cross, and also the blood of the righteous saints who had shed their blood for the sake of Our Heavenly Father, and Lord Jesus Christ. Remember, this is the day of vengeance, the day of wrath.

The name of Jesus is "The Word". Read John 1:1-5.

Revelation 19:14 "And the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean."

When Jesus Christ returns to earth to judge and set up His kingdom, all the saints of God will return and reign with Him also. The marriage of Christ and His bride will have taken place, and the rewards given to the faithful.

Revelation 19:15 "And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."

This verse refers to Psalm 2:9, Isaiah 11:4, 49:2, and 63:3. That sword that goes forth is a sharp, two-edged sword, which will smite and bring down all nations. For then, the new kingdom to be set up will be a righteous one. It will be without Satan, the false prophets, and the locust army of fallen angels.

You may play with God's Word and play church now, however, that will soon end. The rule of this time, in Christ's kingdom will be a boot camp for learning and discipline. The teachers are His saints, and in your spirit [soul] bodies you will understand all matters clearly.

Revelation 19:16 "And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

Ihere will be no doubt in anyone's mind, such as that which Pilate was asking of Jesus; for the entire world will know who Jesus Christ is at His second coming. All will know Him, and some will be in great joy, and many others that were deceived by the Antichrist will be in great shame.

So we see that Jesus first coming was one of surprise to those around Him, because the Kenites had caused the Jews to be deceived by their traditions, and changes in the laws. Jesus came as a servant, and the sacrificial Lamb for all that would believe.

John 18:37 "Pilate therefore said unto Him, "Art Thou a king then?" Jesus answered, "Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth My voice."

Jesus is telling Pilate that in this first advent, I am a truth bearer. The first advent is to bring the living Word, and fulfill the plan and will of the Father.

John 18:38 "Pilate saith unto Him, "What is truth?" And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, "I find in Him no fault at all."

The statement by Pilate, "What is truth?" required no answer, for he was going out to the Jews, and when he was before them he stated, "I find in Him no fault at all." There was not one fault that Pilate could find to hold Jesus, and Pilate saw right through all the charges brought by Caiaphas, and the other religious leaders.

John 18:39 "But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the Passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?"

This statement claiming Jesus to be the "King of the Jews", goes far beyond this little group called "Jews". The Jews here represented only a small part of the true "House of Judah", yet the ten tribes of the "House of Israel" will also have Christ as their King, as well as the people of all the nations and races that have repented in the name of Jesus and believed on His name.

This was the wrong thing to say to these people who were crying for Christ's blood, and the statement, "King of the Jews" set off their passions.

John 18:40 "Then cried they all again, saying, "Not this man, but Barabbas." Now Barabbas was a robber."

The interesting thing about this verse is in the name "Barabbas", which is from the Aramaic language, and means "son of the father". Jesus Christ is the Son of the Almighty Father, and Pilate offered the Jews as to which "son of the father" they would let go to freedom. They chose the "son of the father [Barabbas]" to be set free.

This Barabbas was more then just a robber, for he was also a murderer, and the people had a choice. They could take a child of the devil, or they could take a child of God, the only begotten Son of God.

This religious community chose the child of the devil, Barabbas, and there is still nothing new even to this day in the religious community, for they would rather teach the traditions of men, then they would the actual word of God. All the jealousy, pride, of these so-called Christians are all wrapped up in their denominations, and the easiest was to get them fighting is in the attack of their individual traditions. Each has their own twist to God's Word, and their twist of the Word is the only thing that they will accept.

Jesus stood there and watched this entire ordeal take place, and He spoke not a Word to defend Himself. He knew what the end would be, and that this was the purpose of His coming. He took the ridicule, and in the next chapter we will see the suffering He took for each of us, that we could go to the Father in Jesus name, and have our sins taken from us. Do you chose Jesus Christ the Son of the Father in Heaven?

American Wisdom Series Editor's Note: Now that we've completed this 2015 study of the  "BOOK OF JOHN chapter 18" we have placed a earlier 2002 John chapter 18 study to follow for your comparison. I don't believe you will find much difference in the general opinion of these 2 authors, but to read another person's perspective of events that took place may prove helpful in your understanding of the gospel of John

             Pamphlet 1518

The "sword" is part of the Gospel Armor (Eph. 6:17), so on a spiritual level, when a true servant of God takes action with the "two-edged sword", depending on who you are, you may get your "ears lowered",

Jesus has just finished a very personal and heartwarming prayer for His disciples, thereby assuring you, His disciple, of the certainty of the things which He desires for you, especially that the Love of God be in you ("Therefore love one another as I have loved you", Jesus said repeatedly.) and that He Himself, the Word of God, be in you.

Now, the hour of His betrayal is come.

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.

Cedron is the same as Kidron (2 Sam. 15:23) and means "dark or turbid". Webster's Dictionary, Tenth Edition, defines turbid as "confusion, crowd" as well as (2a): deficient in clarity or purity: FOUL, MUDDY <~depths of degradation and misery - C.I. Glicksberg>.

In understanding the meaning of Cedron, we can now see in verse 18:1 that Jesus brings His disciples and "crosses over" the waters of darkness and enters in into the Garden of God with them!  And when He finishes the work on the cross, anyone who is willing can cross over into that beautiful Garden of God, His Kingdom, as long they walk over Kidron with Him. (And there is no other way.)

This is so perfect! There is such incredible significance and so much to be absorbed from the meanings of the names of people and places and things in His Word, if we will only take the time to read them and look them up and dwell upon them.

Did you know that Gethsemane means "oil-press garden - wine-press, GATH, wine)"? (Smith's Bible Dictionary).

[2] And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

Jesus and His disciples "often" gathered in the "oil-press garden", at the foot of the Mount of Olives, where that "Olive Oil", symbolic of the Holy Spirit, flowed abundantly from Him. The reason we are also told this fact is that Judas would have been with them all those times and so he "knew full well" where He could find the Messiah and His disciples.

[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.

Here comes that "confused crowd" from the other side, of darkness & turbidity, coming into the oil-press garden. Do you think they have come here, as the disciples have so many times in the past, in order to receive of the precious oil, the Holy Spirit of truth, the Light of the world? They certainly didn't enter in with Him! NO! They are still in "darkness" for they carry with them "lanterns and torches" which is the only dim light with which they have to see! How sad, how truly sad!

Also, notice they came with "weapons", which means riot utensils like clubs and sticks and other mob type devices. This an example of the pitiful "spiritual" weaponry Satan's crew has. But the servants of the Most High, the disciples of Jesus Christ, as we will see when we get to verse 10, carry a very sharp, highly polished, two-edged sword, which we know from Rev. 1:16 is the Word of God.  And by the way, His disciples aren't afraid to wield it directly to the ears of Satan's own! Do you understand?

[4] Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

This scripture is very reassuring and comforting in that it first says, just so we all KNOW, that Jesus is fully aware of EXACTLY what is about to happen to Him and how He will be brutally beaten and crucified! So does He show any fear or weakness here? Do you think He went to the garden of the oil-press to hide from the confused religious crowd and make it more difficult for them to "find Him"?  No, He went forth to meet them half-way, and made it as EASY AS POSSIBLE for them to receive Him, should they actually want to "seek" Him.

In other words, because of His love, yes, even for this crowd of darkness, He is giving them every opportunity to "Seek Him", because the time will come when it is too late for them! Remember what He told them about "Seeking Him" back in chapter 7?

John 7:32
The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.

[33] Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.

[34] Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.

Verse 34 documents that the question "Whom seek ye?" is not about looking for a flesh man. So here they are, the crowd of darkness, with a "spiritual decision" to make in the garden, where once again stands the "Tree of Life". (A lot of "testing" goes on in the gardens of God, doesn't it? )

We just read in verse 4 where Jesus gave them the "Test" question, "Whom Seek Ye?" Again, understand that Jesus is not asking them who they are "looking for" to arrest, because He already knows they are there to take Him and crucify Him. It is not a rhetorical question that He will ask twice! It has to do with whom they SEEK to WORSHIP, not crucify!

John 18:5
They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth.

Right words but, WRONG ANSWER! Jesus knew their hearts. Remember, this is a religious crowd who claims to worship God. OK, Jesus will now identify Himself to them as the "I AM", using the sacred name.

Jesus saith unto them, I am He. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

Jesus said unto them, "Look fellas, I AM He", i.e. the true Messiah, right here with you!  And Judas was right there standing with them, i.e. on "their side". Imagine what must have gone through his mind when He heard Jesus identify Himself as the supreme "I AM". Gulp!

[6] As soon then as He had said unto them, I Am He, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

The Holy Spirit repelled their lie with such force it knocked them all down. Hey, maybe after this spiritual "knock up side the head" they will arise and throw down their torches and "seek the true Light"?  He just told them who He was and demonstrated it with power! So Jesus gives them another chance to correct their answer and accept [seek] Him or reject Him:

John 18:7
Then asked He them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

No, unfortunately they got up again, and gave the same wrong answer, with the same unchanged heart. So this test is over and they have all failed. One need not be perfect, but you must get a "see" to pass and cross over from darkness into the Eternal Garden of God, His Kingdom, i.e. you must cross over Cedron [Kidron] with HIM! There is no other way to enter in!

[8] Jesus answered, I have told you that I Am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

Yes, He told them He was the I AM, but it didn't matter. So moving right along, Jesus tells them to let His disciples go their way! (For once they come into the Garden "with Him", they are HOME FREE, and LOST no more!)

[9] That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

When you are "with Him", there is nothing to be worried about, i.e. your salvation is sure!

John 18:10
Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

Peter was a card carrying member of the NSA, the National Sword Association, the forerunner of the NRA. Self defense is a very Christian principle. If you don't believe it then try coming against this Christian nation, or the individual Christians in it, and find out.

Of course the "sword" is part of the Gospel Armor (Eph. 6:17), so on a spiritual level, when a true servant of God takes action with the "two-edged sword", depending on who you are, you may get your "ears lowered", which is demonstrated for us in type by Peter lopping off the right ear (the "right" one that should "hear" right) in the case of this "little king". Malchus means "king".

"Malchus had advanced so as to seize the Lord, and thus became the object of Peter's attack." (Companion Bible note)

Note: I know it was supposed to be the "right ear" that was chopped off the "priest's servant" so that we could understand the spiritual application of the "sword", His Word. But knowing Peter I somehow have a hard time believing that he was aiming for an ear. I think the way Malchus got his right ear cut off was because he "ducked"... to the left... and was able to lower his head, all but his right ear, just below where his neck just was. Got the picture! This would also mean that Peter was left handed for instinctively you would duck "from" the direction of the blade coming at you.

[11] Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

Don't get rid of your sword Peter, but put it away in your sheath for now and don't interfere or prevent Satan from bruising His heel. The plan of God must be fulfilled as it is written! Jesus Christ must be crucified so all can bridge the darkness of Kidron and enter the Garden of God with Him.

Jesus will later say to Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world, else His servants would fight with the physical sword. No, He, must drink of the cup, which in this particular verse means pay the price on the cross, and fulfill the reason He came here. We also know from the other accounts of this same scene that Jesus will stoop down and pick up Malshus' ear and physically heal it, but he will still not be able to "hear" the spirit, only the physical sounds!

Next we will see Jesus bound and led to Annas, the father in law to the chief kenite, then on to Pilate.

Jesus has now been betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane. A band of religious street thugs have taken the Son of God captive and have chained Him like a criminal and are about to haul Him off to stand before the children of disobedience, the sons of Cain.

John 18:12
Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,

This band of religious misfits and riffraff  took Him and bound Him, but after they had been literally "knocked down" by His words, "I AM", and had witnessed Him heal over the right ear of Malchus after telling Peter to sheath his sword, they would have certainly known that it was only because He "allowed them" to take Him that He could be bound. Don't forget, many times the scribes and Pharisees tried to have Him taken, but it was not His hour and so it didn't happen until it was His hour! Remember Jesus' words from the 10th chapter of John concerning His life?

John 10:18
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

So with permission [otherwise they could have done nothing] from the Son of God, they bound Jesus and led Him away to the deposed high priest, Annas, father in law of the current high priest Caiaphas, whose name means "depression", which is the feeling one gets when reading about this murderous hypocrite.

John 10:13
And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

Annas was appointed high priest by Quirinus, governor of Syria, about 7 A.D. and was deposed by the procurator of Judea, Valerius Gratus, the predecessor of Pilate about 16 A.D. It was Valerius who appointed Caiaphas, i.e. the Roman government appointed the high priest, for it was not God who appointed him! Annas still bore the title of high priest and was a most influential figure. He was present at the interrogation of Peter and John following their arrest in Acts 4:6.

[14] Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

Remember God caused Caiaphas to speak the prophetic words concerning the death of Messiah in John 11:49-53, much in the same way He used the mouth of Baalam.

[15]  And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.

Yes, Peter was a follower of Jesus, but the Lord has already said to him that he will deny Him thrice. And if the Lord says a thing, it will be so!

Note: The Bible does not say who the "another disciple" was, but whoever he was he was certainly influential enough to be known by the high priest and invited into his palace. Both Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathaea (my pick) were disciples of Christ and both were members of the Sanhedrin.

John 18:16
But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

Can't you just see Peter politely waiting outside? What? This is the bold and brazen Peter who just lopped off some dude's ear. This is the same Big Fisherman who had the nerve to step out and walk on the water.

Here's how I see it:

Peter was probably lagging just behind the other disciple and did not go into the palace because the damsel (vs. 17) "who kept the door unto Peter", stopped him and wouldn't let him pass, though he tried to convince her he was with the other influential disciple.

So the other influential disciple, suddenly realizing that Peter wasn't with him inside the palace, went to the doorperson [am I politically correct or what?] and said to her, "Excuse me, he's with me!", and she let Peter pass, no questions asked! Now she looks at him real good as he passes by (he's probably grinning with that "see I told you" look) and so later she recognizes him as one of Jesus' disciples.

[17] Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.

Just wait until the reality of what Peter just said settles in this Big Fisherman's heart at the crow of the cock!

John 18:18
And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.

How well do think Peter blended in with this "band" that just "took Jesus" (vs. 26)?  There is no need to wonder what, or should I say who, the topic of discussion was?

[19] The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.

"Tell us about your students and what it is that you teach them!"

This lawyer style tactic of the high priest, called entrapment, is designed to get Jesus to say something that they can declare blasphemous and use it against Him. With that in mind you have to just love the answer He gives, which is most unsatisfactory to the high priest. Also, no doubt it was rumored that His disciples were a secret sect, a cult of some sort. He therefore addresses and answers both questions with the following remarks.

[20] Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

Jesus tells the high priest that He taught publicly, right out in the open, in the synagogue, in the temple, and in open public gatherings of Judeans (for a moment there I thought it said Jewish Resorts). He said He has absolutely nothing to hide!

"So why ask me?", Jesus said. "Why don't you ask them which heard me what I have said unto them? They know what I said."

[21] Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.

This is much too brilliant a statement for one of the officers which stood by.

John 18:22
And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

Imagine striking the Son of God and speaking with such arrogance and condescension?

[23] Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

John 18:24
Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

The preliminary hearing is over and it is time for this case to go to trial!

Note: John does not record the trial in his gospel.

[25] And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.

Peter denies Christ again!

[26] One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?

Uh oh! This is a much more positive ID, for this accuser is "all ears", so to speak! He says, "Don't I know you? Didn't I see you in the garden?"

The "band" is growing restless and the pressure is on Peter to back up his other denials a little more convincingly. The reply "I am not His disciple" just isn't cutting it! So, as it is recorded in Mark 14:71, Peter used some "street language", some of the "four letter words" of his day, words that disciples of Christ, Christians, don't use [usually].

[27] Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.

Peter, this big old lovable fisherman with a heart of gold, will suddenly realize as he is acting so un-Christian like, that the words of Jesus have just come to pass, exactly as He said they would.

Peter wept. (Mk. 14:72)

Next we will see Jesus taken before the Roman authorities, as the plot to have Him crucified thickens.

Though John does not record the trial of Jesus, only the preliminary hearing, Caiaphas, the high priest and his kenite associates would stoop lower than a snake's belly and even bring in false witnesses to testify against Christ to prove their case against Him.

Note: In his book, "The Drama of the Lost Disciples", author George F. Jowett shows that Caiaphas and company actually lost their case by failing to convince a majority of the Sanhedrin that Christ was guilty of any crime, due mostly to Jesus' brilliant defense team of Joseph of Arimathaea, perhaps the wealthiest and most influential man of his day (read "The Traditions of Glastonbury", by E. Raymond Capt), and Nicodemus.

In any event, we know from the other gospel accounts of the trial that Caiaphas became enraged (lost his cool) at the words of Jesus, and incited his crowd of goons to lead Jesus early the next morning straight to the praetorium, i.e. the courthouse, to try and get Him convicted by the Roman government and sentenced to death.

John 18:28
Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

Isn't this typical of religious hypocrites? This religious vigilante group, who is trying to have an innocent man executed, will themselves not enter the courtroom for RELIGIOUS REASONS. It is because they might contaminate their self righteous little bodies by accidentally touching someone who has ingested some Twinkies or other leavened bread. You see, during the preparation day before the First Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread they were to rid themselves and their entire houses of all "leaven" and leavened products. Leaven was symbolic of sin and getting rid of it was an act of purification. Can you believe this? They are worried about touching leaven while in their hearts they seek to murder the True Bread of Life.

So Pilate gets up and comes out to them. What an accommodating guy!

[29] Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?

"What's the charge against this man?", asks Pilate.

[30] They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.

"That's your answer?"

They knew they didn't have a case against Jesus strong enough to have Him crucified. Hence they brought Him in bound like a criminal and made it appear as if they had already found Him guilty and worthy of death. So they answered, "Hey, do you think we would have brought Him to you if He wasn't a criminal? What kind of people do you think we are?"

We see this same tactic used today by the "left eared" media who "convicts" and seeks to destroy people with "right ears" merely on charges. Never mind if the charges are true or not, because just the seriousness of the charges makes one guilty.

Anyway, the Sanhedrin was not permitted by Roman law to carry out death sentences. We can see the hand of God in all of this, because if they had the power, according to the law of Moses the execution would have been by stoning.

[31] Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:

So the accusers couldn't give Pilate a substantiated charge and he told them to "bug off", and go conduct their own trial.

They told him they already did but they didn't have the power to execute criminals. Again, the penalty would have required stoning to death, which would not have fulfilled the scriptures which already declared He would be crucified, not stoned.

[32] That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.

Jesus MUST die by the cross, not by stoning.

John 18:33
Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

Jesus was King of Israel, not just of Judah.

Note: If you do not know the difference between an Hebrew, an Israelite, a Judahite, and a Judean, then we suggest you obtain "The Abrahamic Covenant", by E. Raymond Capt, which is a good booklet for starters. You can purchase a copy from Artisan publishing at www.artisanpublishers.com

So Pilate has come back into the judgment hall after his "go 'round" with the Jews and called Jesus asking Him, "Are you King of the Jews?"

[34] Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?

"Did you come up with that question on your own, Pilate, or have others suggested it to you?" Christ knew Pilate's question was incorrect.

[35] Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

"What do I know", says Pilate, "Am I a Jew?" In other words he was not familiar with their religion. "Your own nation and chief priests have delivered you to me.  What have you done, anyway?"

[36] Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Jesus assured Pilate that He was no threat to Rome or to Caesar. If He was then His servants would have fought and He would never have been delivered to that gang of reprobates. He did not come as King to reign at the first advent.

[37] Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered,Thou sayest that I am a king.

"Those are your words Pilate."

Jesus is now going to tell Pilate why He was born.

To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

Do you hear His voice? His voice is His word, and His word is truth. Remember?

John 17:17
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

And we also read in chapter 14 that Jesus is the truth:

John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

So if ever you hear someone ask, "What is truth?",  now you know the answer!

[38] Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?

Well lookie there! Someone just asked the question.

And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

I'll bet this going in and out of the judgment hall is getting to be pain in the you-know-what to Pilate!

There's also something else we should keep in mind as we read Pilate's words. His wife had a dream that troubled her greatly, because in that dream she was told, and obviously convincingly so, that Jesus was a just and innocent man. So she told her hubby Pilate not to have anything to do with the convicting of this innocent man. Here is the account in Matthew:

Matthew 27:19
When he [Pilate] was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

So with his wife's words ringing in his ears (yes, wive's words do clang in their husband's ears which is why men have trouble hearing everything they say) Pilate returns outside the hall and tells the Jews, "I find in him no fault at all." Nadda! Nevertheless, Pilate has a solution to the problem:

John 18:39
But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

But Pilate "blew" any chance he had when he incited the mob with the words "King of the Jews".

[40] Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

Barabbas wasn't just a robber, he was also a murderer! Here's the record:

Mark 15:7
And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.

Now, as we've learned so many times before, there is always more food, more meat, call it hidden Manna, if one takes the time to "seek". Let's look at the meaning of the name "Barabbas" from Strong's Concordance:

Barabbas, bar-ab-bas', Greek 912; of Chaldee origin [Hebrew 1347 (ga'own) and Greek 5 (Abba)]; son of Abba; Bar-abbas, an Israelite :- Barabbas.

"Bar" in Greek means "son" and "Abba" means "father"

ab-bah', Greek 5; of Chaldee origin [Hebrew 2 ('ab (Chaldee))]; father (as a vocative) :- Abba.

So "Bar-abbas" means "son of (the) father".

Now consider the choice of those OUTSIDE the HALL of JUDGMENT! They have two sons before them and the CHOICE is THEIRS. They can choose the Son of the True Father, Jesus Christ, or the son of the father who produces murderers. Remember the words of Christ in John 8:44 concerning this father?

John 8:44
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Now that we know the significance of the choice, let's listen again to Pilate giving them their choice between the two sons:

Matthew 27:17
Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

They chose Bar-abbas! Incredible, isn't it?

---

                               

---

The American Wisdom Series

is

Published by:

Rhine Publishing Co.
E-mail address - americanwisdomseries@verizon.net

Here at the American Wisdom Series our goal is to make you think about and question the wisdom of the current: