“Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there to the garden, with lanterns and torches and weapons. 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.” (John 18:3-6) Why did they fall to the ground? Because, “…the WORD OF GOD is LIVING and POWERFUL…” (Heb. 4:12)
John 18:3 records that there was “a band of men” in the Garden that night TOMMY. The Greek word for “a band of soldiers” is spira: the tenth part of a legion; a military guard, about 600 men. This is the word that describes a military cohort—These were extremely WELL–TRAINED soldiers equipped with the finest weaponry of the day. John 18:3 also tells us that on the night Jesus was arrested, this band of soldiers was accompanied by “…officers from the chief priests and Pharisees….” The word “officers” is from the Greek word huperetas. This word means the “police officers” who worked on the temple grounds.
It makes one wonder what Judas had told the chief priests about Jesus that made them think they needed a SMALL ARMY to arrest Him! Did Judas forewarn them that Jesus and His disciples might put up a fight? Or is it possible that the CHIEF PRIESTS WERE NERVOUS that Jesus might use His supernatural power to resist them? So, they all GOT UP from the ground which was a reminder from God, “Behold, I AM THE LORD, THE GOD OF ALL FLESH. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jer. 32:27)
JESUS WAS GOING TO GO THROUGH ALL THE HOSTILITY MAN HAD PLANNED FOR HIM BY THE WILL OF GOD NOT OF MAN!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham