John Calvin 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. In this narrative, John passes by many things which the other three Evangelists relate, and he does so on purpose; as his intention was to collect many things worthy of being recorded, about which they say nothing; and, therefore, let the reader go to the other Evangelists to find what is missing here.

Over the brook Kedron. In the Greek original, there is an article prefixed to Kedron, which would seem to intimate that the brook takes its name from the cedars; but this is probably an error which has crept into the text, for the valley or brook Kedron is often mentioned in Scripture. The place was so called from its being dark or gloomy because, being a hollow valley, it was shady. On that point, however, I do not dispute; I only state what is more probable.

The chief thing to be considered is the intention of the Evangelist in pointing out the place; for his object was to show that Christ went to death willingly. He came into a place which, he knew, was well known to Judas. Why did he do this but to present himself, of his own accord, to the traitor and to the enemies?

Nor was he led astray through inadvertence, for he knew beforehand all that was to happen. John also mentions afterwards that he went forward to meet them. He therefore suffered death, not by constraint, but willingly, that he might be a voluntary sacrifice; for without obedience, atonement would not have been obtained for us.

Besides, he entered the garden, not for the purpose of seeking a place of concealment, but that he might have a better opportunity and greater leisure for prayer. That he prayed three times to be delivered from death (Matthew 26:44) is not inconsistent with that voluntary obedience of which we have spoken; for it was necessary that he should contend with difficulties, that he might be victorious. Now, having subdued the dread of death, he advances to death freely and willingly.