John 18: The Arrest and Trial

John 18 details the beginning of the Passion narrative, focusing on Jesus' arrest and initial trials. The chapter opens with Jesus and His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas Iscariot arrives with soldiers and officials to betray Him. Jesus, fully aware of what is to come, steps forward to identify Himself, leading to His arrest after a brief confrontation in which Peter cuts off the ear of the high priest's servant, Malchus. Jesus is then taken to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest, for questioning. Meanwhile, Peter follows at a distance and, as Jesus predicted, denies knowing Him three times. Jesus is subsequently brought before Pilate, the Roman governor, where He is questioned about His kingship and kingdom. Despite finding no basis for a charge against Him, Pilate offers to release Jesus, but the crowd demands the release of Barabbas instead. This chapter sets the stage for the crucifixion, highlighting themes of betrayal, denial, and the unfolding of divine purpose amidst human injustice.