John 18:1-8:
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. Judas then, having taken a detachment of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were happening to him, went forth, and said to them, “Who are you looking for?”

They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus said to them, “I am he.”

Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When therefore he said to them, “I am he,” they went backward, and fell to the ground.

Again therefore he asked them, “Who are you looking for?”

They said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If therefore you seek me, let these go their way,” that the word might be fulfilled which he spoke, “Of those whom you have given me, I have lost none.”

Isn’t that amazing? The officers came with “lanterns, torches, and weapons” and all the Son of God had to do is say “I am he” and they all fell over! That must have been quite a site. That’s a powerful speaker!

It’s obvious who was in charge here and it wasn’t the Judas and the officers. Notice that Jesus had to go to a place that Judas could find Him. He even had to cross the brook to get there. Then, when they arrived, He announced Himself just in case they couldn’t tell who He was. Finally, when the got back up off of the ground that they fell on, He re-announced Himself and gave them a little prophesy lesson too.

There is absolutely no evidence here that Jesus was meek and mild. This was a man who was ready to face the task ahead. Obviously, He wasn’t shocked by what was happening. He arranged it!

On top of it all, He even asked for the immediate release of His disciples. This served at least two functions. It gave the officers a give-and-take deal that would give the disciples a chance to get away, but it also gave the disciples permission to leave. Jesus had to say very few things here, but everything He said was powerful. Jesus continues to speak in our protection today in Heaven. We can be certain that Jesus will accomplish whatever He wants when He speaks. Praise God for that!