INTERNATIONAL SERIES

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 27, 1901

INTERNATIONAL SERIES

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL

LESSON 9.—MARCH 3.—JESUS BETRAYED.

Lesson Scripture, John 18:1-11, R.V.

1 “When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the brook Kidron, where was a garden, into the which He entered, Himself and His disciples. 2 Now Judas also, which betrayed Him, knew the place; for Jesus oftimes resorted thither with His disciples. 3 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. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth, and saith unto them, Whom seek ye? 5 They answered Him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am He. And Judas also, which betrayed Him, was standing with them. 6 When therefore He said unto them, I am He, they went backward, and fell to the ground. 7 Again therefore He asked them, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. 8 Jesus answered, I told you that I am He; if therefore ye seek Me, let these go 9 their way; that the word might be fulfilled which He spake, Of those whom Thou hast given Me I lost not one. 10 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 11 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?”

Parallel Scriptures.—Matt. 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-45; Luke 22:47-51. (See article “Put Up the Sword,” on page 7.)

Golden Text: “The Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.” Matt. 26:45.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) After the celebration of His last Passover, where did Jesus and His disciples go? Verse 1. (2) What words of Jesus are referred to in this verse? Note 1. (3) Who besides the eleven disciples knew the place? Verse 2. (4) How did Judas know of the place? Same verse. Note 2. (5) What precaution was taken by those who sought to take Jesus? Verse 3. Note 3. (6) What indicates the true courage of the Saviour? Verse 4. (7) How did the mob answer His question? Verse 5. What reply did Jesus make? Same verse. (8) Who stood with the company? Same verse. (9) When Jesus made Himself known, what was the effect upon the mob? Verse 6. Note 4. (10) What question did Jesus repeat? Verse 7. (11) What was the reply? Same verse. (12) When He again identified Himself, what request did He make? Verse 8. Note 5. (13) What saying of His was fulfilled by this request? Verse 9. (14) Then what did Simon Peter do? Verse 10. Note 6. (15) What did Jesus say to Peter? Verse 11.

NOTES.

1. The words referred to in verse 1 of the lesson scripture are the words which Jesus spoke to His disciples after the supper, both in the upper room and on the way to the garden, including the prayer to the Father. The whole is included in chapters 13:31 to 17:26 of John’s Gospel.

2. Jesus often sought the solitary places for communion with His Father. And this communion was deemed of more importance than the sleep which others deemed essential. It was thru this frequent communion that He was enabled to overcome temptation and to endure the many and severe trials that came upon Him. And His need of such strength was no greater than ours. The Master’s example in this regard is one that no disciple can afford to ignore.

3. “With lanterns and torches.”—When we remember that the moon was full at the Passover season, the precaution of these extra lights would indicate a determination to search the most secluded nooks.

4. “They went backward, and fell.”—No human power could have taken Jesus against His will. He voluntarily surrendered Himself into the hands of His enemies. He “gave Himself a ransom for all.” 1 Tim. 2:6.

5. His care for His disciples.—In full view of the terrible ordeal thru which He was to pass during the next few hours, the Saviour did not forget His “little flock.” As for Himself He must drink the bitter cup to the very dregs, but they were to be spared for future work, and until their faith would be strong enough to meet martyrdom in the same courageous manner.

6. His last miracle.—The last miracle of our Lord before His death, was the healing of one who was seeking His life. And it was the healing of a wound made by a disciple whose rashness led him to use a carnal weapon in defense of the Gospel and the Gospel ministry. See Luke 22:50, 51. He then told that disciple to put up his sword, and the order never has been countermanded.