In John 18:10-14, we see Peter's misguided attempt to defend Jesus, Christ's resolute obedience in the face of arrest, and the opposition of the religious authorities.
John 18:10-14 — Jesus' Cup — Aneel Aranha
Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel. Today, we will reflect on John 18:10-14. Listen.
Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.
In this passage, we see the aftermath of Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter, always the impulsive one, takes dramatic action. He draws his sword and strikes the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. It's a brave but misguided attempt to defend Jesus. Peter is ready to fight, but he doesn't understand that Jesus' kingdom is not advanced by violence.
Jesus responds with healing and rebuke. He commands Peter to put away his sword, declaring, "Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" The "cup" here is a metaphor for Jesus' suffering and death. It's the cup of God's wrath against sin that Jesus will drink on our behalf. Jesus knows that his arrest and coming suffering are part of the Father's plan. He's not going to resist or fight back.
The passage then zooms out to give us some context. The soldiers, their commander, and the Jewish officials arrest Jesus and bind him. They're treating him like a dangerous criminal, despite his peaceful surrender. They take him first to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. This detail reminds us of the political and religious power structures that are opposed to Jesus. The religious leaders are not seeking truth, but are determined to get rid of Jesus as a threat to their authority.
John then adds an editorial comment, reminding us of Caiaphas' earlier prophecy that it would be good if one man died for the people. Caiaphas spoke this in his role as high priest, but he didn't understand the full significance of his words. He was speaking of Jesus' substitutionary death for the sins of the world.
As we reflect on this passage, we see the resolute obedience of Christ. He knows what he's facing, but he's committed to the Father's will. He's ready to drink the cup of suffering for our sake. We also see a warning against misguided zeal. Peter's actions, though brave, were not in line with Jesus' mission. Sometimes in our eagerness to defend Jesus or fight for his cause, we can actually work against his purposes. We need to be guided by his Spirit and his word.
And we're reminded of the opposition that Jesus faced from the religious and political powers of his day. Following Jesus may bring us into conflict with earthly authorities or popular opinion. But like Jesus, we're called to walk in faithful obedience to God.
So let us ask ourselves: Am I willing to follow Jesus' example of obedience, even when it's costly? Do I sometimes let my zeal for Jesus lead me into misguided actions? Am I prepared to face opposition for the sake of Christ?
May we, like Jesus, be committed to the Father's will above all, trusting in his plan even in the darkest of times.
God bless you.
