McCheyne’s Bible Reading Plan: Ex 39, Jn 18, Pr 15, Ph 2
Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18:4-11)
When soldiers come to arrest Jesus there is a brief moment when he flashes raw power and the soldiers all draw back and fall to the ground. Just a little reminder that he is God and this arrest could not happen at all if he was not bent on doing God’s will. At the same time, it also serves to protect his disciples from being taken along with him, especially Peter who attacks one of them. It is remarkable that Peter is not taken. All of this goes to show the security of our faith in Jesus even as he is constantly under attack.
