Jesus knew this moment was coming. Can you imagine the agony of living with that knowledge? While Jesus had been preparing for this, his disciples were still not ready despite all the warnings Jesus had given them. Jesus still felt the need to protect them.
I have always been surprised by the “contingent” that came to arrest Jesus that night. There could have been hundreds of troops accompanying Judas. We’re not given an exact number, but clearly, they expected a battle.
Instead, we see Jesus turn himself in, identifying himself as the one they were looking for, using the words, “I AM.” God had identified himself like that to Moses during their burning bush encounter in Exodus 3:14. “God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.” I AM is the sacred name for God.
It’s clear that those who heard Jesus proclaim his identity were caught off guard. The text says they “all drew back and fell to the ground.” Can you imagine the spectacle of those leaders all falling to the ground like the chain reaction of dominoes known as the “domino effect”? What must the Roman soldiers have thought? Did they fall over, too?
Jesus was not battling back. He willingly gave himself up to make sure his own followers were untouched. What must the disciples have been thinking? Were they cowering in fright or surrounding Jesus to stop him from being taken?
Did Simon Peter’s reaction surprise you? The other gospels mention the attack, but John points to Peter. Was it a display of bravery or craziness? For it to be the right ear, either Peter was left-handed, or Malchus never saw it coming because he was struck from behind. Peter could have paid dearly for that impulsive response. Jesus did not seem impressed, and it didn’t change anything. Jesus was still arrested according to plan.
We all know that if Jesus had wanted to get away, the power of God would have overtaken even that huge crowd. Jesus’ time had arrived in a familiar setting where Jesus and his disciples had spent time. Those would be the memories to treasure, not this horrific betrayal and arrest.
Jesus was taken first to Annas, who was not the current High Priest. He had served ruthlessly in the past, but as father-in-law, he would have been the one to appoint Caiaphas as the High Priest in power at that time. I don’t quite understand this initial stop, but there must have been a calculated reason.
How does this reading leave you feeling? It’s normal to feel guilty that Jesus had to endure all that started that night in the garden. Take some time to imagine what it must have been like to watch your friend, your rabbi, the Son of God, being taken away.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, my heart breaks for all that you endured for my sake. I can understand Peter’s attempt to divert attention so you could slip away. But that wasn’t the plan. Forgive me, Lord, when I venture out on my own strength and try to do what I think is best. Help me to stay focused on you and what you have taught me. Open my eyes to a greater understanding of your Word and your purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
