Thank you for interpretative question, “What are your thoughts on John 18:2–9?”
The question being asked is a vague as one wonders if the questionnaire has a textual criticism issue or an interpretative question on the passage.
The cited text is as follows from the NIV, “When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. 4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” 5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me” (A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages).
If one desires a critical study of the text, I recommend the NASB-NIV Parallel New Testament in Greek and English. The KJV or the NIV is a translation of the Greek text.
Here are four key issues for atheists and Christians on John 18:1–11 on the broader context for one’s consideration:
A. The sovereign will of God and the choice by Judas.
B. The foreknowledge of Jesus of future events whether based on his deity or on Scriptures.
C. The sovereign will of God and the chice by Jesus.
D. The interpretation of verse 9 whether Jesus’ phrase includes Judas Iscariot?
As one ponders the Old Testament Scriptures and depending on one’s interpretation of the text, Judas Iscariot’s heart attitude toward spiritual things were not right with God. Judas saw and heard firsthand what his master/teacher was saying and doing. There were two paths before him and he continued to chose his own path. No one knew who the betrayer was until Jesus revealed it at the Last Passover Supper. It was not Judas intention to betray Jesus, not that he intended to have Jesus killed. The Pharisees had that as their intention. Was Judas seeking to force Jesus’ hand to use his powers to bring in the kingdom whereby he will be the treasurer of the kingdom of God with all its worldly riches. From Judas’ perspective, Jesus nor the 11 other disciples knew what he was doing and he could only imagine what it will be like for him to be treasurer of the Kingdom of God. Was that his true motive? That is a conjecture on my part even as the disciples in hindsight saw that Judas was a thief. He was willing to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Judas’ choice was his own every step of the way for in each step he harden his own heart to the words of Jesus.
Jesus revealed to Judas that he knew who it was that was going to betray him. He did not deny it when Judas asked him, “Surely not I, Rabbi” while Jesus answered, “Yes, it is you.” (Matt. 26:25–26). Could Jesus avoided going to the Olive Grove to pray as was his custom? Certainly he could have gone elsewhere or in the confusion Jesus could have fled from the men who came to arrest him. Jesus had ample opportunity to flee for his own safety. Jesus knew the Scriptures that spoke about him and he willingly submitted to the Heavenly Father. On the Road to Emmaus, Jesus explained to two followers all the Scriptures said about himself from Moses through the Prophets (Luke 24:25–27).
Perhaps one can understand it in this way the sovereign will of God and the choice of men. They are one coin with two sides on it: the will of God and the choice by men. On the face side of the coin by men, one may not see what is God’s will unless it is revealed. Each person makes their choice at every given moment. Thus for an agnostic or atheist, that person may continue to say “No” or “I don’t believe in heaven or hell” even though one reads it on Quora or hear about God’s offer of salvation. Will that person have a change of heart and mind before the end of life. No one knows what the future holds for that person on the man’s side of the coin. Does God know, absolutely but it is unrevealed to man. Each person makes his/her own choice just as Judas made his choice each step of the way. Could he repented when he first stole money for himself? From our human perspective, “Yes.” Could Judas confess and repented when Jesus confronted him? Yes, in my perspective, but that would mean that he would have to break his deal with the Pharisees and return the money back to them. He would face perhaps the anger of his “friends” if he was to publicly confess before them all. The stake was too high and so he refused to do so. One’s pride keeps one from being humbled. Judas made his decision and so every person will make their own decision. Saul of Tarsus in his stubborn way would have continued to persecute the Christians except the grace of God intervene into his life. No one would have thought that Saul of Tarsus would become a follower and defender of Jesus. No Pharisee would have conceived that Saul would be a follower for he was a zealous for the Jewish faith.
Each person makes a conscious decision based on one’s values and beliefs that will have eternal impact on oneself and on others. Unless God intervenes into a person’s life that person continues in the path that he thinks is best for him or her. Judas made his choice and he lived with his regret and guilt that led him to forfeit his own life.
SUMMARY: God’s will and man’s choice is one coin with two sides on it. The Scriptures offers salvation to everyone who is willing? Is anyone willing to accept God’s offer or will one continue in one’s own pathway? The choice is yours.
For more perspectives: