ST-John Ep 39 – John 18 – Christ’s Passion part 2 – The Gospel of St. John – Seeking Truth with Sharon Doran – Discerning Hearts Podcast

The arrest and trial of Jesus marks the beginning of his “hour” of glorification.  He was aware of the impending suffering, yet gave full consent to the Father’s plan.  Sharon sets the stage for this dramatic event with a detailed description of the Kidron valley, the deep chasm dividing the Temple from the Mount of Olives.

Solomon’s portico was the highest point on the Temple mount and overlooked the Kidron valley, which contains to this day the pillar of Absalom.  Sharon recalls the story of Absalom, son of King David, who was banished by David after killing his half-brother, Amnon, for raping his sister, Tamar.  Absalom died a violent death in the Kidron valley:  as he was riding a mule, his hair became entangled in a tree, allowing David’s soldiers to spear him to death.

Facing the Kidron valley, the eastern gate of the Temple was particularly significant.  Jewish tradition held that the divine presence of God would appear at the eastern gate, and it was through this gate that Jesus entered Jerusalem as the passion unfolded.  Returning to Chapter 18, Sharon focuses on the details of Jesus’ arrest.  Judas arrived with a cohort of soldiers; these 500 or more men fell to the ground in response to Jesus’ declaration: “I am he”, the one they were looking to arrest.  Betrayal never comes from an enemy; only from someone close.  Yet on the very night of his betrayal, Jesus offered his own life in forgiveness for sin.   Jesus was taken first to Annas, who was the rightful high priest, but had been replaced by Rome with his son-in-law Caiphas.

Next, Peter’s three-time denial fulfills Christ’s prediction.  Finally, the chapter ends with Jesus before Pilate, who attempted to free Jesus through the Passover tradition of releasing one prisoner.  However, the Jews picked Barabbas, which is translated “son of the father”, choosing an insurrectionist over Jesus, the true “Son of the Father.”