Chapter Summary

Jesus' betrayal and arrest. Peter's denial. Jesus condemned and Barabbas released.

Discussion Questions for John, Chapter 18

1. Imagine that you are a disciple in this chapter. How would you feel seeing Judas coming to Jesus with soldiers and weapons? What would your reaction have been? In what ways can you identify with the reaction of Peter?
2. What is the "cup" (HCSB) that the Father has prepared for Jesus? How does this cup symbolize wrath, and what does it represent here? Why is it important that this has been "prepared" beforehand for Jesus?
3. Why do you think that we never learn who is the "other disciple" (HCSB) that was an acquaintance of the high priest? What does this tell us about how God uses earthly connections for His purposes, even less than ideal connections?
4. Describe the three times Peter denies knowing Jesus. What are the circumstances of each time? Why is Peter so afraid to be associated with Jesus? What is a time in which you were afraid to identify with Jesus?
5. How does Pilate's question to Jesus "What is truth?" (HCSB) relate to our world today? In what ways does our culture not understand the truth? What is our source of truth?
6. The political and religious divide between the religious leaders and Pilate is very clear. Why would they have been "defiled" (HCSB) had they walked in his quarters? What does this say about the cultural tension between the Jews and non-Jews during this time period?
7. What kind of prophecy is laid out in verse 32? How does this connect the events of Jesus's life? In what ways does this signify God's sovereign control in all things, even over the crucifixion?
8. Why is it important that Jesus's followers did not "fight" (HCSB) for Him when confronted? How is this different than the political power that the Romans and the religious leaders sought? What does this teach us about how we relate to the secular world today?
9. Who is Barabbas? What made Jesus so disdainful to them that they would rather a criminal be released than Jesus? How does this decision fit in to the larger narrative of why Jesus died?
10. Recall that in John 10:27-28, Jesus stated that His sheep "hear" (HCSB) His voice. Why do you think He repeats this phrase to Pilate? What meaning would it have had to Pilate, if at all?

Key Words/Phrase

Betrayal and arrest, vv. 2, 3.

Characters

Jesus, Judas, priests, officers, Pharisees, Peter, Malchus, Annas, Caiaphas, Pilate, Barabbas, a damsel.

Strong Verse(s)

11, 37 (b).