John 18: “The Hour Has Come”
1. “He Went Out with His Disciples”
“When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden.” (Jn 18:1)
The brook Kidron lay between the Temple and the Mount of Olives, where David once fled from Absalom (2 Sam 15:23).
Christ, the true David, crosses the same valley — not fleeing rebellion, but bearing it.
St Bede writes:
“He goes forth from the words of prayer to the place of passion; from intercession to immolation.”
(Homilies on the Gospels, I.24)
The garden recalls Eden. Redemption begins where sin began — in a garden.
St Augustine:
“Where man fell, there man is raised; the place of disobedience becomes the place of obedience.”
(Tractates on John 112)
2. Judas and the Band
“Now Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place.” (v. 2)
The betrayer’s knowledge becomes the means of betrayal.
Familiarity without love leads to ruin.
“Judas came with a cohort of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, carrying lanterns and torches and weapons.” (v. 3)
St Ambrose comments:
“They bring light against the Light, swords against the Word; but darkness cannot grasp the day.”
(On the Faith III.13)
3. “Whom Do You Seek?”
“Then Jesus, knowing all that was to befall Him, came forward and said to them, ‘Whom do you seek?’ They answered Him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ He said to them, ‘I AM.’” (vv. 4–5)
The divine Name is spoken. The Greek egō eimi echoes the Name revealed to Moses (Ex 3:14).
At this word, the soldiers fall back.
St Augustine:
“He shows that He could fall only if He willed; power prostrate before weakness, majesty before mercy.”
(Tractates on John 112.4)
This moment proves that the Passion is voluntary: no one takes His life, He lays it down (Jn 10:18).
4. “If You Seek Me, Let These Go”
“If you seek Me, let these men go.” (v. 8)
Even in arrest, Christ protects His own.
He fulfils His priestly word: “Of those whom You gave Me, I have lost none.” (Jn 17:12)
St Bede notes:
“He offers Himself in place of His flock; the Shepherd stands between the wolves and His sheep.”
(Homilies on the Gospels, I.24)
5. Peter’s Sword
“Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear.” (v. 10)
Zeal without discernment wounds where love should heal.
Christ rebukes him:
“Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given Me?” (v. 11)
St Augustine:
“The sword of the flesh was forbidden, but the sword of the Spirit was soon to be given.”
(Tractates on John 112.7)
The cup recalls Gethsemane: obedience to the Father’s will.
6. “They Bound Him”
“So the band and the captain and the officers of the Jews seized Jesus and bound Him.” (v. 12)
He who bound the strong man (Mk 3:27) allows Himself to be bound.
The cords of Christ become the bonds of our freedom.
St Ambrose writes:
“He is bound that we may be loosed; His captivity is our liberty.”
(On the Mysteries 47)
7. Before Annas
“They led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas.” (v. 13)
The old priestly order examines the true Priest.
Annas represents the withered authority of the old covenant, soon to be replaced by the eternal priesthood of Christ.
St Bede:
“The high priest of the year questions the High Priest of eternity.”
(Homilies on the Gospels, I.24)
8. Peter’s First Denial
“Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple… The maid who kept the door said to Peter, ‘Are you not one of this man’s disciples?’ He said, ‘I am not.’” (vv. 15–17)
The one who drew his sword now trembles before a servant-girl.
Courage without humility collapses under pressure.
St Augustine:
“He fell that he might know himself; for no one learns humility so swiftly as he who trusted himself.”
(Tractates on John 113.1)
9. Jesus Questioned
“The high priest then questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching.” (v. 19)
Christ’s response is dignified simplicity:
“I have spoken openly to the world… Why do you ask Me? Ask those who heard Me.” (vv. 20–21)
He affirms that His doctrine is public, transparent, true.
St Bede:
“He who is Truth hides nothing; the liar works in secret.”
(Homilies on the Gospels, I.24)
When struck by an officer, Jesus answers:
“If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness to the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?” (v. 23)
Perfect meekness joined with fearless reason.
10. Peter’s Further Denials
“They said to him, ‘You are not also one of His disciples, are you?’ He denied it and said, ‘I am not.’ … At once a cock crowed.” (vv. 25–27)
Three denials, one glance of mercy (cf. Lk 22:61).
Peter’s tears become the first absolution.
St Ambrose:
“The Lord allowed His disciple to fall, that He might teach penance before He preached it.”
(On Repentance I.9)
11. Before Pilate
“They led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the Praetorium. It was early.” (v. 28)
The priests will not enter the Gentile court “so that they might not be defiled” — scrupulous about ritual purity while plotting murder.
Sin disguises itself in piety.
St Augustine:
“They feared to be defiled by a stranger’s house, yet were defiled by hatred of their own God.”
(Tractates on John 114.1)
12. “My Kingdom Is Not of This World”
“Pilate entered the Praetorium again and said to Him, ‘Are You the King of the Jews?’” (v. 33)
Christ’s reply defines His kingship:
“My kingdom is not of this world… for this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth.” (vv. 36–37)
His reign is real but not political — rooted in truth, not territory.
St Bede:
“His kingdom is within those who believe; for where Truth reigns, there Christ reigns.”
(Homilies on the Gospels, I.24)
St Augustine adds:
“He rules minds, not provinces; conquers by faith, not by arms.”
(Tractates on John 115.2)
13. “What Is Truth?”
“Pilate said to Him, ‘What is truth?’” (v. 38)
The question hangs unanswered because the Answer stands before him.
Scepticism faces revelation yet refuses faith.
St Ambrose:
“He asks ‘what is truth’ while Truth is silent; the judge is judged by his own indifference.”
(On the Faith III.14)
14. Barabbas Released
“You have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover… They cried out again, ‘Not this man, but Barabbas!’ Now Barabbas was a robber.” (vv. 39–40)
Barabbas — name meaning “son of the father” — ironically replaces the true Son of the Father.
Humanity chooses the violent sinner over the Prince of Peace.
St Bede the Venerable comments:
“Barabbas, the son of the father of sin, is freed; Jesus, the Son of the eternal Father, is bound — that the guilty might be released.”
(Homilies on the Gospels, I.24)
15. Theological Summary
| Theme | Revelation |
| Garden | New Eden: obedience where Adam fell |
| “I AM” | The divine Name revealed; Passion voluntary |
| Peter’s denial | Human frailty healed by divine mercy |
| Pilate’s question | Truth judged by power, yet power judged by Truth |
| Barabbas | Substitutionary redemption prefigured |
| Kingdom not of this world | Christ’s sovereignty in hearts and truth |
St Augustine sums up:
“The Judge stands before the judged, the Creator before the creature, the Truth before the liar; and by yielding He conquers.”
(Tractates on John 116.4)
16. Moral and Spiritual Application
Face evil with calm truth. Jesus’ serenity before violence reveals the strength of innocence.
Beware false zeal. Peter’s sword wounds; only love converts.
Repent quickly. The cockcrow still calls each sinner to tears and renewal.
Stand for truth. Pilate’s cowardice warns every age: neutrality before Christ is denial.
Live under Christ’s kingship. Let His reign begin within the conscience and overflow into charity.
17. Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, obedient unto death,
You entered the garden of sorrow to heal the garden of sin.
Strengthen us to follow You with fidelity through trial and denial,
that our hearts may never fear the truth nor shrink from Your Cross.
Reign within us as King of truth and peace,
that, freed from the bondage of sin like Barabbas,
we may share in the liberty of Your kingdom.
Who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 