John 18 · Grade 5

The King on Trial

Name Date

Read and Think

John 18 shows Jesus in full control even as He is arrested. He went to a familiar garden, where Judas knew to find Him. Judas came with a detachment of soldiers and temple officers carrying lanterns, torches and weapons. Jesus, knowing all things, stepped forward. When He answered, I am he, the soldiers drew back and fell to the ground. These words echo God's name, I AM. Jesus then asked them to let His disciples go, fulfilling His promise that He would lose none. Peter's sword was the wrong response. Jesus said, The cup which the Father has given me, shall I not surely drink it?

John interweaves two trials. Inside, Jesus was questioned by Annas and struck unjustly, yet answered with truth and dignity. Outside, Peter warmed himself at a charcoal fire and denied Jesus three times. Peter feared a servant girl, while Jesus faced the high priest. Peter's story did not end here. Another charcoal fire would appear in chapter 21.

Before Pilate, the leaders would not enter the governor's headquarters so they could eat the Passover. Yet they were handing over the true Passover Lamb. Jesus told Pilate, My Kingdom is not of this world. He is a King who came to testify to the truth. Pilate asked, What is truth? He declared Jesus innocent three times (18:38; 19:4, 6). Still, he offered a choice, and the crowd cried out for Barabbas, a robber. The guilty went free while the innocent One was condemned, a picture of what Jesus does for sinners.

Show What You Know

How does John show that Jesus was in control during His arrest?
What was ironic about the leaders not entering Pilate's headquarters?
How do the two trials contrast Peter and Jesus?
What hint does John give that Peter's story did not end in failure?
How does the choice of Barabbas picture what Jesus does for sinners?

Crossword

Across

The crowd wanted him released.
He came with soldiers.
Jesus' ____ is not of this world.

Down

Jesus went there with His friends.
The servant whose ear was cut off.
Jesus told Peter to put it away.

Think About It

Pilate asked about truth but did not wait for the answer. How can you be someone who really listens to Jesus?
Like Barabbas, we are set free because Jesus took our place. How does this make you want to respond?

Memory Verse

“When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered.”

John 18:1 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for this Bible story. Help me to . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

Peter was afraid to say he knew Jesus. When is it hard to stand up for Jesus?
Jesus stayed calm and kind when He was arrested. What can we learn from Him?
Jesus told Pilate His kingdom was not from this world. How can you put God's kingdom first this week?