Speaker: Pastor Neil Lindwall

Additional Resources: Extra readings can be found on this page and appear indented like this.

John 18:1-2 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 

“When Reading the New Testament, Think Old Testament"

The Kidron Valley Is Symbol of:

• Cleansing and Judgment
• Sorrow and Betrayal
• Judgment Day
• Blood of Sacrifice

“From the altar there was a channel down to the brook Kedron, and through that channel the blood of the Passover lambs drained away. When Jesus crossed the brook Kedron it would still be red with the blood of the lambs which had been sacrificed.” (Barclay)

“Over the Brook Kidron: When Jesus went from the city of Jerusalem, and crossed the Brook Kidron. This small stream was the drainage from the temple, and would be reddish from the blood of thousands of Passover lambs. This would have been a vivid reminder to Jesus of His soon sacrifice.” – David Guzik, Enduring Word Commentary.

The Character of Jesus. He Was:  

Steadfast.  

NIV John 18:3-4 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. 4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”

Obedient.  

NIV John 18:5-6 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

Integrity.  

NIV John 18:7-8 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”

2212/zēteō ("seek to investigate") focuses on the moral attitude (value-perspective) "behind the searching," i.e. the internal convictions (spiritual values) driving the seeker. 

2212 (zēteō) is used in the papyri of "philosophical seeking," again stressing the personal motivation shaping how one comes to a decision, concludes what is true or false (guilty or innocent), etc.

[In ancient secular Greek 2212 (zētéō) means investigate (inquire), especially on the philosophical, judicial, scientific and legal levels (see DNTT, 3, 530, italics added).] – HELPS Lexicon.

Courageous

Caring

Redemptive

NIV John 18:10-11 “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.)

11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

NIV John 18:12-14 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13 and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.  

Meek

Cross Over

Dedicated to Becoming a Man or Woman of Christlike Character.

• Steadfast
• Obedient
• Integrity
• Courageous
• Caring
• Redemptive
• Meek

Extra readings appear on this page, indented for additional study.