This is the record of the arrest (John 18:1-11), trial (18:12-14, 19-24, 28-40), and sentencing (19:1-16) of the Lord Jesus. It is an eyewitness account (John 19:35).

Judas carries out his act of betrayal (see John 13:27-30) and Jesus is arrested. But dark as this seems, Jesus knows that God is working out His purposes. John 18:4 closely parallels John 13:1 and 13:3. Jesus knows His time to die has come in accordance with God's will, and yet Peter-just as in Mark 8:32-impetuously resists the purpose of God.

Jesus invites His arrest and ensures the safety of His followers (v. 8), fulfilling His own words in John 17:12, ″I protected them and kept them safe . . . None has been lost . . .″

Jesus is taken to Annas (vv. 12-14, 19-23), the previous high priest, and then to his son-in-law Caiaphas, the current high priest (vv. 13, 24). From there, Jesus is sent to the Roman authority, Pontius Pilate. Here the double standard of the Jews is evident: they could not become ceremonially unclean by entering a Gentile governor's residence during the Passover festival (lasting 7 days), but they had no qualms having Jesus executed on the basis of their false accusation (vv. 28-30).Pilate examines Jesus, who responds that His kingship and kingdom are not of this world (v. 36). Pilate declares the innocence of Jesus (v. 38). Jewish guilt is compounded when they choose to release a convicted rebel, Barabbas, instead of Jesus (v. 40).

The Lord Jesus is flogged and mocked. Pilate, for the second and third time, declares Him innocent (John 19:4, 6). The Lord Jesus has no criminal record.

The persistence of the Jews wins out over the weak-willed Pilate who, though declaring Jesus innocent and referring to Him three times as king (John 18:39; 19:14-15), abandons Jesus and allows Him to be treated as if guilty.

Yet Jesus is clear about His trust in His Father. Pilate does not control His destiny, rather His Father does (John 19:11), but this does not relieve the guilt of His betrayer.

Here is further evidence of the sovereign rule of God. Joseph could say to his brothers, ″You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good″ (Genesis 50:20). From the unjust and cruel crucifixion of His Son, God was bringing about the greatest good.

Similarly, we today know that God is at work in all things for the good of those who love Him and have been called by Him. The good He works to achieve is that we should be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:28-29).

God is sovereign. He can bring great good from the evil intentions of humankind. The cross is proof of that. Here, in the darkest hour, is where we find the greatest comfort.