Power and submission

Wednesday 12 May 2021

Power and submission

When Jesus said to them : It is I, they stepped back and fell to the ground. John 18: 6

The troops, the commander and the guards of the Jews then seized Jesus and tied him up. They took him first to Anne's. John 18:12, 13

A company of Roman soldiers armed with swords and a large crowd with staves (Matthew 26:47) advance, led by Judas the traitor, to seize Jesus. As on other occasions, they would not succeed, if he himself did not indulge in them. Seeing them arrive by the light of their torches, Jesus, sovereign master of the situation, steps forward. With all his authority, he asks them : Who are you looking for ? This question reveals to them that Jesus unmasked them and that their intentions are well known to him. When they answer : Jesus the Nazarene, the It is I (lit. : "I, I am") which springs from the mouth of Jesus has a devastating effect on them : they recoil and fall to the ground.

The majesty of the Son of God then breaks out in darkness. Jesus must repeat his request and imply that he surrenders himself, after having withdrawn his disciples from the clutches of these wretches, so that they take possession of him. Is there any more eloquent proof of Jesus' power and authority than "I am" ?

A believer who loves the Lord, but is ill-informed about his plans, might exclaim : Why has he not annihilated his enemies ? Jesus himself answers : All this happened so that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled (Matthew 26:56). The path made by the Father for his Son was written in advance in the Scriptures. Jesus fulfilled them all, not for the destruction of men, but for their salvation.

And the Savior lets himself be seized and bound... a prelude to the iniquitous trial, the torture of the whip, the insults, the spitting, the insults, the crucifixion and its curse and, most painfully, the abandonment of God. We are amazed that power and submission can coexist so perfectly ! To do his Father's will, Jesus renounces the power he possesses. He lets himself be bound... this is the splendor of his obedience and his love !

Source (Pleasing the Lord)