The Cup of Wrath

Introduction

We have finished the Farewell Discourse, but I’m going to continue into John 18. That’s due to some schedule challenges the next few weeks but also because John 18 tells an especially sacred story—the story of Jesus’ arrest and trial. Today’s passage is John 18:1–11.

Like many of you, Charlie Kirk’s murder has consumed much of my attention the past couple weeks. I was very encouraged by several clips from his memorial service where the speakers boldly declared the gospel. Everyone was not as clear, but it’s awesome to hear several very powerful politicians talk openly about faith. Praise the Lord!  

Still, Charlie Kirk’s assassination is tragic. He had strong, biblical convictions. He knew those convictions put a target on his back. But he continued to speak boldly, and he gave his life for his convictions. It’s tragic, remarkable, and inspiring.

But with all due respect to Charlie Kirk, Jesus’ crucifixion is on an entirely different plane. That’s because Jesus alone was sovereign over his death. He wasn’t surprised, he wasn’t tricked, and he certainly wasn’t overpowered. The Good Shepherd embraced the cup of wrath. He laid down his life for you.

Therefore, John ultimately wants you to know that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, and he wants you to believe on him for eternal life. And if you are saved, John wants you to worship the Savior for his sacrifice. He wants you to trust the Savior’s strength and love. And he wants you to lay down your life for Jesus the way he laid down his life for you. To help you believe, John illustrates 4 vital truths about Jesus. The first is…

I.      Jesus is real (vv. 1–3).

I don’t want to take this for granted or assume everyone believes it. The details in vv. 1–3 demonstrate that this story did not happen a long time ago in a galaxy far away that we all know is little more than a fairy tale. No these are eyewitness details of real places you can visit, and they are remarkably consistent with other historical records. This story happened. Jesus is real.

The Garden (v. 1): That said, remember that Jesus and the 11 have just eaten the Passover. Immediately after the Farewell Discourse, Jesus and the disciples left Jerusalem, crossed the Kidron Valley, and entered a Garden.

You can see on the map that the Kidron Valley is east of Jerusalem and just below the temple mount. The other Gospels say Gethsemane was on the Mt. of Olives, so it was probably at the base of the mountain, near Jerusalem.

It had to be because Jewish law required the people to spend the Passover night in the immediate area around Jerusalem. Jesus and the disciples had been sleeping in Bethany, but that was too far. They needed a closer place to spend the night. Apparently, Jesus knew the landowner and had permission to sleep there.

Obviously, we know from the other Gospels that Jesus went to Gethsemane to pray, and Jesus knew his arrest was coming. But the disciples thought they were going to a campsite. Again, John’s story fits the geography, and it fits the Passover traditions.

Judas (v. 2): This continues with Judas. He became very useful to the Pharisees. They had wanted to arrest Jesus for a while, but they knew better than to arrest him in public. Jesus was too popular, and they would have had a mob on their hands. But arresting Jesus in private had proved challenging because Jesus masterfully kept his movements secret.

But Judas knew Jesus’ patterns, and he specifically knew Jesus would be alone with the 11 in Gethsemane that night. It was perfect. Gethsemane was was away from the crowds and outside the city where no one would hear the ruckus. The Sanhedrin could nab Jesus in the dark of night and get rid of him before a protest could start. So, v. 3 says…

The Escort (v. 3): That’s a huge crew! A full cohort was 1,000 men, but the Romans often used that sort or language to describe a portion of a cohort. They likely sent around 200 men to arrest one man.

Why? It wasn’t the Roman’s job to arrest Jesus. That responsibility belonged to the officers of the chief priest, the temple guards. The Romans came as peacekeepers because they did not want a riot during the feast. Again, it all makes sense considering what we know about Rome, the Sanhedrin, and the feast. All 4 Gospels read like real eyewitness accounts. This happened.

But imagine how John felt. They were dead asleep while Jesus is off praying. Suddenly potentially hundreds of armed soldiers appeared. The 11 were shocked and terrified.

But what was most shocking was that Judas was guiding them. Chapter 13 said that even when Judas left to betray Jesus, it never crossed the disciples’ minds that he would betray Jesus. Now, here he was with potentially hundreds of armed soldiers to betray their leader. John couldn’t believe it. You feel his disbelief when he mentions Judas in vv. 2, 3, and 5. So, the disciples were surely a wreck. But not Jesus. Verses 4–7 declare a 2nd vital truth about Jesus.

II.    Jesus is Lord (vv. 4–7)

These verses are filled with irony because the armed soldiers were not in control; Jesus is Lord. We see this 1st because…

Jesus knew what was coming. John 13:1 said Jesus knew his hour had come. Now, v. 4 says, Jesus knew “all things that were coming upon him.” That makes Jesus’ death unique. If someone had warned Charlie Kirk that a shooter was taking aim, he would have gotten down, and he should have. We all wish someone had seen the shooter. Assassinations depend on the element of surprise.

But you can’t surprise God. Jesus knew. In fact, he planned this moment before the foundation of the world. Jesus was no ordinary martyr. He is the omniscient Son of God. Second, Jesus showed his lordship when…

Jesus initiated the confrontation (vv. 4–5). The soldiers brought lanterns and torches because they expected a manhunt. Most suspects would try to hide in the darkness. But Jesus didn’t wait for the soldiers to surround the garden and snuff him out. He didn’t act like a scared criminal on the run. No, the Light of the World shined fearlessly, and he approached the band authoritatively.

I love that. Recently I read to my kids the story of King Ahab’s death. Micaiah told Ahab he would die in battle, so Ahab dressed like a common soldier and sent King Jehoshaphat out in his royal robes. Ahab hid from his kingly duties. But Jesus behaved like a king. He was calm, confident, and sovereign. That’s a leader I want to follow. That’s a leader you can trust.

Then Jesus asked, “Whom do you seek.” Of course, Jesus knew the answer, but he’s asserting control. Then he declared, “I am He.” He is in italics because it is not in the Greek. The Greek just says, egō eimi, “I am.” Jesus once again asserts his lordship.

Remember that at the burning bush God identified himself to Moses as, “I am that I am.” God just is. He is self-existent and eternal like no finite creature. Now Jesus claims the same title. He is Lord.  

As well, John ties together his Gospel with a series of Jesus’ “I am” statements. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life,” “I am the light of the world,” “I am the good shepherd,” “I am the resurrection and the life,” and “I am the true vine.”

The 200+ armed soldiers thought they are in charge, but Jesus let them know, and John wants you to know that they were not. Jesus is Lord. He is, “I am.” Then he proved it.

 Jesus reigned over the soldiers (v. 6). That’s a great verse. Some scholars claim that the soldiers were just so surprised that they stepped back and tripped over each other, but that’s silly. The Romans were professionals, , not toy soldiers. No, John is saying that the force of Jesus’ word knocked a small army to the ground.

Consider the irony. The Romans had trampled the world. But Jesus trampled them with two words. They were not in control. Jesus was.

And consider the apologetic significance of this for John’s original audience. The Greeks and Romans were obsessed with power. Any god who could be captured and killed was repulsive and unworthy of devotion.

But this was no ordinary criminal suspect. Matthew says that when Peter took a hack at Malchus, Jesus rebuked him by saying, “Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels” (Matt 26:53)? Jesus was not arrested against his will.

The Greeks and the Romans could trust Jesus and so should you. First, Jesus not just a great option if you are looking for help; he is the Lord, the great “I am.” He demands your worship, and he can knock you off your feet like he did to the cohort. So, bow willingly and gladly.

Beyond that, you can trust Jesus with your guilt. Jesus had authority to pay for you sin on the cross, and then he declared, “It is finished.” It doesn’t matter how you have sinned or how guilty you are. Jesus’ death is sufficient to cover it all, and you will be forgiven if you put your faith wholly in him for salvation.

You can receive that gift right now if you will believe that Jesus is Lord and put your faith wholly in his sacrifice on the cross. Please, see Jesus as he really is, repent, and believe. We’d love to share with you today about how you can be saved.

Finally, some of you are facing overwhelming burdens and fears. It feels like you staring down a cohort of Roman soldiers. If Jesus’ word could knock them to the ground, he can do the same to whatever you are facing. Jesus is in control. Don’t be afraid and don’t compromise your convictions. Trust Jesus. Stand on his Word. Wait for the Lord to be faithful. But the irony continues because although Jesus reigned…

Jesus surrendered himself to death. It’s funny to imagine what happens next. The soldiers are on the ground thinking, “What just happened?” Then Jesus calmly asks again, “Whom do you seek?” Maybe the commander popped up and acted like nothing had happened. He repeats in gruff, tough voice, “Jesus the Nazarene.”

Then Jesus replied, “I told you that I am He.” He’s mocking them. “Why are you laying on the ground. Get up and arrest me.” They were not in control. But Jesus surrendered himself because he was surrendered to his Father.

Don’t ever grow numb to how incredible that is. Jesus obeyed to the point of death on a cross. How far are you willing to obey the Father? Maybe, he is calling you to take a difficult step of surrender, and you don’t want to do it. It’s too much, or it’s too scary. Follow in Jesus’ steps and say, “Here I am Lord, send me.” In sum this was no ordinary arrest. Jesus presented himself to the soldiers as Lord. The 3rd vital truth about Jesus is…

III.  Jesus is Love (vv. 8–9)

Jesus considered his friends. You or I might be tempted to gloss over vv. 8–9, but they meant so much to John, and they tell us a lot about the Savior. He loved his friends. Despite all the horrors awaiting Jesus in the next few hours, but he was more concerned for his friends’ than for himself.

The other Gospels say Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Judas must have expected Jesus to hide in the crowd, but once again, Jesus acted like a real leader. He didn’t shrink back; he stepped up and focused all the soldiers’ attention and hostility on himself. He didn’t plead for mercy on himself but on them.

He knew that the 11 were not ready for incarceration. Peter couldn’t even handle a few questions around a fire! So, yes, Jesus is pleading for their physical safety, but more than that he is pleading for protection from a spiritual threat they were not ready to handle. Jesus cared for their souls. And it worked. The soldiers released the 11.

It made a huge impact on John, and he saw it as fulfilling a couple precious promises of Jesus (6:39–40; 10:27–28). These promises are so precious. Sometimes heaven seems a long way off. The world is disgusting and cruel, and your flesh is weak. You doubt your ability to hold fast to Christ through the storm.

Christian, you don’t need to fear because Christ is holding fast to you. No one and nothing can snatch you out of his hand. He will keep you through every temptation and trial, and someday, he will rescue you forever from every difficulty and bring you to glory.

Take courage that if Jesus wasn’t distracted from the disciples’ need by his own death, he is certainly not distracted from yours. He is pleading for you today like he pled for the 11 in the garden. His promise will come true. He will not lose you. He will keep you until glory. Praise God that Jesus is love. The 4th vital truth about Jesus is…

IV.  Jesus is Savior (vv. 10–11)

Peter’s Fight: Peter said in 13:37, “Lord why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Now, he’s ready to prove it. He knows what the Sanhedrin wants. He knows Jesus’ life is in the balance. He’s not going to let Jesus surrender himself or take the free pass Jesus just requested. He will not accept Jesus’ fate.

Luke says that earlier in the evening, the disciples had said they had two swords. They knew Jesus was in danger, and they came prepared to defend him. Now Peter pulls out one of them and takes a clumsy swing.

In one sense, it’s kind of silly. Apparently, Peter was not a very good aim if he’s only able to get an ear, and there’s no way he can defeat 200 Romans. But I think Peter deserves some credit. He knows all that, but he doesn’t care. Peter would rather die defending Jesus than walk away. He loved the Savior.

Jesus’ Surrender: But Jesus replies with the climactic statement of our text (read). Jesus’ hour had come. This was not the time to fight; this was the time to embrace the Father’s will.

He describes it as “the cup which the Father has given Me.” That’s a significant image in the context of Scripture. Several times in the OT, God’s wrath is pictured as a cup. For example, “For thus the Lord, the God of Israel, says to me, ‘Take this cup of the wine of wrath from My hand and cause all the nations to whom I send you to drink it’” (Jer 25:15).

The cup is not merely an image of responsibility; it is an image of judgment. That’s why Luke 22:42 says that earlier in the evening Jesus prayed, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me.”

So, when Jesus replies to Peter in our text by saying he is ready to drink the cup that the Father had appointed for him, he is declaring his readiness to endure God’s wrath against my sin.

Many people don’t like that. They don’t like the idea that my sin deserves wrath. We want to believe we are not that bad. “Maybe I deserve a slap on the wrist, but I certainly don’t deserve God’s wrath.” Furthermore, many people despise the idea of Jesus suffering under his Father’s wrath. They dismiss it as divine child abuse.

But the Bible is very clear. Your sin is rebellion against your Creator who is infinitely holy God. Just because we can’t comprehend how holy God is or how offensive our sin is, does not mean the Bible is wrong. God is clear. You deserve the eternal wrath of God. Furthermore, the Bible is clear that there is nothing you can do to even begin removing that wrath yourself. You can try your best to obey every command, and you can perform every religious deed, but it will never be enough to pay a fraction of your debt.

So, God in his mercy sent Jesus to drink the cup of wrath you could never survive. Isaiah 53:6 says “The Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.” Then v. 10 says, “The Lord was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief as a guilt offering.”

In our text, Jesus tells Peter, “It’s time. It’s time to drink the cup of God’s wrath.” John 19 tells the story of how he drank that cup. For 3 hours Jesus suffered under God’s wrath, then notice John’s conclusion in 19:28–30. Jesus drank the full cup. He accomplished redemption. Then he declared once and for all, “It is finished” before he died.

Jesus drank the cup reserved for you. Nothing more can be done or needs to be done. Jesus is the Savior. Maybe you are seeing Jesus today like you have never seen him before. You believe that he is real, he is Lord, he is love, and he is the Savior.

How should you respond? Romans 10:9 promises, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” You can call out to him right now. Tell him you repent of your sin, tell him you believe, and tell him you want him to save you. God says you will be saved. If you still have questions, ask. We want to help you understand and be saved. Please get them answered today because nothing in life is more important than your soul.

Then Christian, live for Jesus the way he died for you. Do you love the Savior? How can you not when you behold the portrait in our text. He is Lord and Savior, and he deserves your whole heart and your whole life. What are you refusing to surrender? Are you holding onto a sin? Are you gripping your will when he is directing another way? Let it go. Love the Savior and live for Jesus the way he died for you.