I’m in the gospel of John right now for my daily quiet time and today in chapter 18 I read (for the umteenth time) the following:
“1When Jesus had spoken these words,(A) he went out with his disciples across(B) the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew(C) the place, for(D)3(E) So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4Then Jesus,(F) knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, (G) “Whom do you seek?” 5They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.”[a] Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6(H) When Jesus[b] said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7So he asked them again, (I) “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9(J) This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.”10Then Simon Peter,(K) having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant[c] and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath;(L) shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” Jesus often met there with his disciples.
Look at verse 6.
“When Jesus[b] said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7So he asked them again”
Huh?!
Who drew back and fell to the ground?
Everyone there.
Well who all was there?
- Judas (the slowest learner of them all)
- The officers of the Jews
- Some of the chief priests
- Some of the Pharisees
- An entire Roman Cohort
The last group may need some explanation to gain a full appreciation for how many came to arrest this one God/man. Some bibles say a detachment of troops came to arrest Jesus–but that’s far too nebulous. Others read that an entire Roman cohort came. Well, what’s a cohort? A cohort is a full axillary of soldiers that had the potential strength of 1,000 men (i.e., 760 foot soldiers and 240 cavalry led by a chiliarch or leader of the thousand). Normally, however, in practice a cohort numbered 600 men–still quite a few to subdue one carpenter/preacher man.
Now get this. After between 650 and 1100 men do a prostrate version of the wave, dust themselves off, notice that everyone participated in the wave except Jesus and His followers, they proceed with the arrest!
What????!!!
Talk about slow learners! Two words from Jesus (really, one in Aramaic, or even Hebrew) and an entire cohort is taken out at the knees and they want to rush Him again? And even worse, for what?! The Romans weren’t beholding to the Jews. These soldiers could have left the arresting of the spiritual ninja to the important looking men in dresses (I know. I know. They’re called robes. But if it walks like a duck…I’m just saying). Instead, without even considering who Jesus might really have been, they continue with operation arrest God almighty.
That’s slow leaning. Text book.