Matthew Henry Commentary John 18:1-12

"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. Now Judas also, who betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus oft-times resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received the band [of soldiers], and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon him, went forth, and saith unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am [he]. And Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When therefore he said unto them, I am [he], they went backward, and fell to the ground. Again therefore he asked them, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I told you that I am [he]; if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: that the word might be fulfilled which he spake, Of those whom thou hast given me I lost not one. Simon Peter therefore having a sword drew it, and struck the high priest`s servant, and cut off his right ear. Now the servant`s name was Malchus. Jesus therefore said unto Peter, Put up the sword into the sheath: the cup which the Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him," — John 18:1-12 (ASV)

Sin began in the garden of Eden; there the curse was pronounced, and there the Redeemer was promised. In a garden, that promised Seed entered into conflict with the old serpent. Christ was also buried in a garden. When we walk in our gardens, let us take occasion from there to meditate on Christ's sufferings in a garden. Our Lord Jesus, knowing all things that should come upon Him, went forth and asked, Whom seek ye?

When the people would have forced Him to a crown, He withdrew (John 6:15); but when they came to force Him to a cross, He offered Himself, for He came into this world to suffer and went to the other world to reign. He showed plainly what He could have done: when He struck them down, He could have struck them dead, but He would not do so. It must have been the effect of divine power that the officers and soldiers let the disciples go away quietly, after the resistance which had been offered.

Christ set us an example of meekness in sufferings and a pattern of submission to God's will in everything that concerns us. It is only a cup, a small matter. It is a cup that is given to us; sufferings are gifts. It is given to us by a Father, who has a father's authority and does us no wrong; He has a father's affection and means us no harm.

From the example of our Savior, we should learn how to receive our lighter afflictions and to ask ourselves whether we ought to oppose our Father's will or to distrust His love. We were bound with the cords of our iniquities, with the yoke of our transgressions. Christ, being made a sin-offering for us to free us from those bonds, Himself submitted to be bound for us. To His bonds we owe our liberty; thus the Son makes us free.