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 18:4-6 NIV)
On the night of his betrayal, Jesus went into a garden to prepare for his coming crucifixion. And while he was there, Judas led a detachment of soldiers and officials to arrest him. As they were coming, Jesus went out to meet them, asking who it was they were looking for. But when Jesus identified himself as the one they had come for, something very interesting happened. Those who had come to arrest him drew back and fell to the ground.
John does not tell us the significance of this event, but I can think of two possibilities. The first, and most obvious, is that Jesus is making clear to them that they cannot take him against his will. It was not twelve legions of angels with drawn swords defending him (Matt. 26:53), but it demonstrated to those arresting him that they had no real power over him (John 19:11). He was going willingly with them. All the way to the cross.
Every Knee Will Bow
The second significance I see relates to Philippians 2:10, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” These men, as they fell to the ground, were foreshadowing the time when all would bow before the crucified and exalted Jesus and acknowledge him as Lord. For many, it will be too late. But, like these men in the garden, everyone will bow before him. How much better to bow now and experience the life he gives than to only bow later and face eternal destruction?
Love this type of interpretation that helps us to understand the nature of God, thank you.
I am glad you found it helpful. Thanks for sharing.