John 18 - Jesus levels an army

In John 18, we come to the great betrayal. Judas came with the soldiers, officials, and chief priest and Pharisees. We know the scene. But this morning, I saw something I don’t remember reading and surly don’t remember learning about. 

“So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭18:3-6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus said, “I am he,” and they drew back and fell to the ground. Wait, what? We always talk about Peter going off and slicing off the ear of the guard...we focus on Jesus last miracle healing of the ear. But, Jesus said I am he, and the group of soldiers, official and all drew back and fell to the ground. How have I not read this, or don’t recall this?

So, picture it. They were carrying torches, lanterns, and weapons, ready to take down Jesus; this was a large group of soldiers who were ready. Jesus revealed himself to the large group, and they drew back and fell to the ground. Jesus showed at that moment, he was the Son of God, and they fell to the ground instantly. His glory so striking overwhelmed them, God revealed in human flesh. A little study this morning shows this fulfilling prophecy in the Psalms;

“May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay.” - ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭35:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.” - ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭40:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It’s humorous to me, reading this that Simon Peter drew his sword to fight off the soldiers after Jesus instantly leveled the entier army just by revealing himself. So many thoughts on this, but let me leave you with one idea that I am having right now. Simon Peter went on to deny Jesus three times after he drew his sword to fight for Jesus. My mind takes me to a place where Jesus does not need us to fight for him or defend him...Jesus desires us to live our lives for Him and follow him. Jesus, by revealing himself leveled the soldiers, he doesn't need our help defending himself! Jesus commands us to love others and love God. May we stop living our lives defending Jesus, and may we focus our lives on living for Jesus, and loving Him and others.