Surrender

Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to Him, went out and said to them, “Who is it you’re looking for?”

“Jesus the Nazarene,” they answered.

“I am He,” Jesus told them.

Judas, who betrayed Him, was also standing with them. When He told them, “I am He,” they stepped back and fell to the ground.

Then He asked them again, “Who is it you’re looking for?”

“Jesus the Nazarene,” they said.

“I told you I am He,” Jesus replied. “So if you’re looking for Me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the words He had said: “I have not lost one of those You have given Me.”

Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. (The slave’s name was Malchus.)

At that, Jesus said to Peter, “Sheathe your sword! Am I not to drink the cup the Father has given Me?”

Then the company of soldiers, the commander, and the Jewish temple police arrested Jesus and tied Him up. (John 18:4–12)

Jesus was not surprised by his arrest. When those coming to arrest Jesus announced who they were after, Jesus identified himself with the phrase “I am he.” In Greek, it is simply the two words “I am.” Under ordinary circumstances, that would not signify anything. But given the reaction of those who came to arrest Jesus, it meant far more than just an acknowledgment that they had the right man. The phrase “I am” was also the one that God used when Moses asked him his name. According to the early church historian Eusebius, there was a popular legend of the time that the first time Moses spoke God’s name to Pharaoh, Pharaoh fell down speechless. In the Old Testament, falling down was associated with the revelation of God in Daniel 2:46 and 8:18. It also seems to be reflected in the reactions of God’s enemies in Psalm 56:9 and 27:2. Jesus therefore demonstrated, moments before his arrest, that he could not have been arrested at all without his consent. Jesus’ arrest happened because Jesus wanted it to happen. Jesus was willing to “drink the cup”—that is, to accept the will—of his Father and to die on the cross for our sins.

The trials and triumphs of our lives come without surprise to God. He knows everything we are facing today, and he knows what we are going to face tomorrow. That’s why we don’t need to ever worry about anything.

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