Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 18:1

"When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where was a garden, into which he entered, himself and his disciples." — John 18:1 (ASV)

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into which he entered, and his disciples.

Our Lord could not cross that "brook Cedron" without being reminded of the time when David went that way in the hour of his sorrow, though he knew that he had to face a far greater trial than that of David. The very brook would remind him of his approaching sacrifice, for through it flowed the blood and refuse from the temple.

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron,

A dark, foul brook, through which flowed the blood and refuse from the temple. King David crossed that brook one night in bitter sorrow; and now the Saviour crossed it when it was near midnight: He went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron.

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

From our Lord's example, we should learn, when trouble is near, to meet it with composure. Our Saviour did not sit still; but, as the hour approached for his betrayal and death, he went forth with his disciples. The passing over the black brook of Cedron, through which flowed the filth of the temple, was very significant.

King David had crossed that brook long before when he had been driven from his home by Absalom's rebellion, and now the greater David went over the brook Cedron, where was a garden. He specially wanted solitude just then, for one of the best preparations for suffering is to get alone with God.

Learn this lesson also from your Lord's example, and as he put Gethsemane before Calvary, if you can put an hour of prayerful contemplation before your expected suffering, it will be a great help to you.