Who Arrested Who?

John tells us that Jesus knew what lay ahead of him in the hours before his arrest, trials, and crucifixion. Yet, he never wavered nor chose to escape the painful road ahead. It was a cold spring night when Judas descended Jerusalem with a group of several hundred soldiers and the Jewish leaders to arrest Jesus. The sight must have been terrifying for the disciples as the long line of flaming torches wound its way down from the dark, high walls of the city and up the slopes of Olivet toward the garden where Jesus and his disciples were.

The soldiers would have been fully armed, each carrying a short sword. Jesus’ enemies had carefully chosen the time and place. They wanted to arrest Jesus away from the people, so there would be no riot of the people. No one, not even Judas, recognized Jesus. Jesus spoke to the leaders: “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground (John 18:5-6).

Jesus preempted the mob and went forward to meet the armed crowd. In response to their question, he openly identified himself. Their reaction was involuntary; they immediately fell to the ground. They did not fall down when he asked them what they wanted, but only after he said, “I am he.” The massive crowd of soldiers and Jesus’ enemies tumbled backward to the ground—because they had encountered God. The Roman soldiers knew nothing of Jesus and had no reason to fear him. They did not arrest Jesus. Instead, he captured them with his authority and power. Jesus’ exercised the same power he used when he calmed the seas and healed the sick.

It was dark, but no one recognized Jesus, not even Judas. The scene had to be comical as they all fell together in one fell swoop. What chaos amid the clanging shields and fallen torches!

Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” (John 18:8). Jesus gave the orders! It is as if we waited for the Roman commander to shout back, “I give the orders here.” However, nothing came, only silence as they obeyed Jesus, and the disciples went free.

Jesus was in control even of this arrest and the crucifixion. He was fulfilling God’s plan. Christ was God’s lamb being offered for the sins of the world.