Free group study handout
John 18: Group Study Handout
How to use: read John 18 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Jesus and his disciples entered a garden beyond the brook Kidron (vv. 1-2). Judas arrived with soldiers and officers to arrest Jesus (vv.
Key verse
“Jesus therefore said to Peter, “Put the sword into its sheath. The cup which the Father has given me, shall I not surely drink it?”
John 18:11 (WEB)
Outline
- John 18:1–11 The Arrest of Jesus
- John 18:12–27 Jesus Before the High Priest
- John 18:28–40 Jesus Before Pilate
Discussion questions
- In v2, what does it say about Judas that he knew the garden?
- In v6, why do the soldiers fall back when Jesus says 'I am he'?
- Jesus’ statement about his Kingdom in v36: how does it contrast with worldly expectations?
- In v38, when Pilate asks 'What is truth?', what does it suggest about his understanding?
- When have you felt pressure to deny your beliefs like Peter does in v27?
Go deeper
Passages that echo John 18: Matthew 26, Luke 22, Mark 14.
Before next time: read John 19.