Tuesday, January 15, 2008

John 18:1-11

Here you go fellas:

1. In the first few verses, though the NIV states Olive Grove, John does not call Jesus being in an Olive Grove, but a Garden. Is John making a connection between the Passion and Resurrection account (Salvation) and the Garden of Eden (Fall)?
Also, I find it interesting and pleasing that Christ, during a time as such as this, brought His disciples to a place of familiarity, a place of meaning and significance.

2. In verse 3, those coming to arrest/confront Jesus can be divided into three people groups: 1. Roman Soldiers, 2. Jewish Servants, and 3. an Runaway Apostle. Is there any significance or connection between these diverse people groups and the Passion narrative?

3. In verses 4 and 7, Jesus states, “Who do you want”? Interestingly, this is the same question Jesus asks in John 1:38. Is this just a coincidence, or is it significant?

4. Compare Jesus’ struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane, with His comment in John 8:11. What could be John’s reason for this comparison? What does this tell us about the nature and relationship between Jesus and Man, Son and Father, and vice versa?


Interesting Observation/Find: Peter does not go after the solider or one of the Jewish force, but the slave of the high priest (I am not for sure if this is a genius or cowardly act). Interestingly, John mentions the slave’s name, Malchus. Since John knew the high priest and his household (John 18:16) and Malchus’ family (John 18:26), one has to wonder emotionally how John felt during what seemed to be a time of confusion and utter chaos.

(side note) This passage also answers the question that Peter was not a pacifist.

2 comments:

keith said...

great questions Jeremy.

I can't wait to discuss them tonight.

The LeRoys said...

good stuff summer love. (your new nickname, by the way)