Gospel of John 09.vp

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The Gospe l of John

d. What happened when Jesus said, “I am”: They drew back and fell to the ground! , 18.6.

Why did armed troops draw back and fall to the ground at the sound of Jesus’ declaration (v. 6)? Commentators like Calvin explain that John’s narrative “relates the great power which [Jesus] breathed with a single word, that we might learn that the ungodly had no power over Him except so far as He permitted . He replies mildly that it is he whom they seek; and yet, as if they had been struck by a violent hurricane, or rather by lightning, He prostrates them to the ground.

~ Yarbrough. John . pp. 179-80 [emphasis added].

e. Jesus asks them again: “Whom do you seek?” and they answer again : “ Jesus of Nazareth ,” 18.7.

f. Jesus protects his disciples: I have told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go , 18.8.

g. This statement was the fulfillment of Jesus’ own word of prophecy: John 18.9 – This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one” (cf. 17.12).

3. Peter seeks to defend Messiah from the officials, 18.10-11.

a. Simon Peter , having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear (Malchus was his name), 18.10.

b. Jesus’ word to Peter: Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me? , 18.11.