Good Friday John 18:1-19:42

Preaching Commentary

Introduction

The lectionary text from John is an exceedingly long passage, but covers the main events that we commemorate on Good Friday. For that reason, I am going to break up the text into manageable chunks. I have grouped the text into the three main events that take place in John chapters 18 and 19: Judas’ betrayal and arrest, the trials (by Annas and Pilate), and the crucifixion.

The Betrayal & Arrest

In this opening passage, Jesus leaves the city of Jerusalem, crossing the Kidron Valley and entering “a garden.” The Synoptic (Mathew, Mark & Luke)  gospels specify that it is the Garden of Gethsemane. John’s focus is less on the specific location…