Jesus Is in Control (John 18:6-8)

Lesson #295

In the last lesson Jesus responded with “I AM [he]”. We learned that “he” was added in translation for the sake of English. When Jesus responded with “I AM” it went forth with power. “When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground” (John 18:6 ESV). When the translation is written “I am he” it loses the impact of saying “I AM” and how you might interpret the action of them drawing back and falling down. I believe this is one more example of Jesus demonstrating who he was and giving proof of his power. We are not told what there was about the stance of Jesus when he addressed them, but there was something they experienced that caused them to pause and draw back as though afraid. Was it his boldness, lack of fear of them, power of his spoken response, or something else that momentarily overpowered them? In Job 4:9 (ESV) we read: “By the breath of God they perish, and by the blast of his anger they are consumed.” Did they experience some of this in their soul when Jesus spoke?

Because of their falling back, Jesus speaks again: “So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”” (John 18:7 ESV). Jesus did not hurt them with his words and now Jesus seems to invite them to get up and proceed with their mission. He repeats the question to them of who they were after. Repeating this question demonstrates that Jesus had no intentions of trying to escape or to resist. He was delivering himself into their hands because it was now time to do that. Up until now when anyone came to arrest him he would manage to escape them, but now he turns himself over to them. Having recovered, Judas and those with him, with hardened hearts intent on wickedness, set aside Jesus display of power and do not respond with “We seek the Messiah!”, but instead they again say, “Jesus of Nazareth.” to which “Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” (John 18:8 ESV). Following the authority of Jesus saying “I AM”, I believe when Jesus spoke “let these men go” he was expressing authority, not an entreaty. Jesus was turning himself over to them, but he made it clear that in exchange his disciples were to be free to leave unharmed.

There is no question about whether Jesus could avoid them taking him in, but that was not the plan. Jesus was sent by the Father to lay down his life for the sheep so that he could show them mercy and extend grace to them. Under the power of Jesus, the soldiers and others were restrained from harming the disciples. They needed to leave the garden and wait for further direction to be received from Jesus after his resurrection.

Prayer

Father, I find it interesting and encouraging how Jesus was in control when Judas came with those who wanted to arrest him. Jesus knew when they would arrive, received them with power that caused them to fall to the ground, and gave directions to let the disciples go without harm. Jesus then gives himself to them. There may be times when we may need to submit into the hands of the enemy and suffer as Jesus did. There may be other times when we will be protected and sent on to finish our work for him. Father, I am so thankful that you have a plan for me, that if followed, will produce the results you want from me. Thank you that the Holy Spirit is in control.