They Fell Down

“When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.” – John 18:1-6

This scene just outside of Gethsemane has always fascinated me. Jesus had spent His entire earthly ministry concealing His full identity. But now, as He approaches the cross, He not only completely discloses His Messiahship and Deity, He speaks His true name – “I AM.”

I have seen pictures and movies of this scene or heard it preached about. But until recently, I had never looked closely enough to what was really happening here, and the magnitude of it. Judas had brought a band of men and officers with him to take Jesus. This band of men refers to a group of soldiers. I had always picture it as a squad of 5 to 10 men or even a group as large as 30 or 40. 

Boy, was I wrong.

A band of soldiers is 1/10 of a legion. A legion is about 6,000 soldiers. That means there were over 600 armed and trained soldiers that came that night to take Jesus into custody.

Wow!

Jesus knew this large group was coming. But, as a true Champion, our Lord Jesus took the field first. He moved toward the enemy and asked them who they were looking for. When they told Him, “Jesus of Nazareth,” Jesus responds “I am he.” This is not just an acknowledgment of Jesus identity as a man. Jesus is telling them they forgot the most important name He has. 

When He says, “I AM,” the hold group falls backward to the ground in the face of just the voice of the Almighty!

They had tried to take Jesus on several occasions before but were unable to. Now, Jesus willingly submits Himself to capture. But with the courage of the Captain of the Host of the armies of heaven! They were able to bind Jesus and take Him away but Jesus had made it very clear that the only way they can do anything is because He allows it.

Gethsemane was to the east of Jerusalem near the Mount of Olives. To take Jesus to the council, this band of men would have taken Him through the sheep gate of Jerusalem. And so it is fulfilled. 

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”  – Isaiah 53:7

The Almighty Son of God submits Himself for capture, trial, and execution — for us.