You Didnt Bring Enough Troops

"You Didn't Bring Enough Troops" - An Exposition of John 18 and the Power of God
Dr. Spencer R. Fusselman

The narrative of Jesus's arrest in John 18:1-14 is a powerful collision of divine sovereignty and human inadequacy. In these verses, we witness not only the events leading up to the crucifixion but also profound truths about the nature of God, the weakness of humanity, and the encompassing grace that defines the gospel. As Pastor Steve aptly put it, reflecting on the scene, one might imagine Jesus saying, "You guys didn't bring enough troops". This isn't a mere jest but a powerful declaration of the Lord's omnipotence in the face of human opposition.

The Inability of Man to Stand in God's Presence
Over the discourse of John's gospel, he meticulously reveals Jesus's divine identity, and this is nowhere more evident than in the Garden of Gethsemane. When Jesus declares, "I am He" (John 18:5, 6 NKJV), the arresting officers "drew back and fell to the ground" (John 18:6 NKJV). This dramatic scene underscores a crucial theological principle: no human being can stand in their own power before the unveiled presence of God. As Pastor Steve emphasizes, "Man has no power to stand against the power of God...man doesn't even have the power to stand in the presence of God". This truth resonates throughout Scripture.

The Old Testament consistently portrays God's holiness as a force that inspires both awe and fear in those who encounter it. In Exodus 3:6 (NKJV), Moses, confronted with the burning bush, is commanded to remove his sandals because the ground is holy, and he hides his face, afraid to look at God. This scene illustrates the profound separation between the divine and the human, emphasizing God's transcendent purity. Similarly, Isaiah 6:5 (NKJV) records the prophet's overwhelming sense of unworthiness in the presence of the Lord. Upon seeing the Lord seated on His throne, Isaiah cries out, "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips," recognizing his sinfulness in the face of God's perfect holiness. These instances are not isolated; they represent a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, where encounters with God's presence evoke a deep awareness of human depravity and the need for reverence before the divine.

Yet Jesus here Declares “I AM He” while simultaneously demonstrating his power as God in knocking over the entire Roman military detachment (Most scholars estimate 600 soldiers for this event). John MacArthur, in his commentary on John, notes that this "I AM" statement is a direct allusion to the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14 (NKJV), signifying Jesus's eternal and self-existent nature. This self-revelation of Jesus isn't just a statement of identity; it's a demonstration of divine power that momentarily overwhelms those who came to arrest Him.

The Paradox of Peter's Zeal and Human Defiance
The narrative takes a poignant turn with Peter's impulsive act of cutting off the high priest's servant's ear (John 18:10 NKJV). While Peter's heart may have been in the right place – to defend his Lord – his actions exemplify a recurring human tendency: to defy God's will, even with good intentions. Pastor Steve insightfully remarks, "What was Peter thinking?". Peter's misguided attempt to thwart the divine plan echoes throughout history; humans, in their limited understanding, often resist the very purposes of God. As John Piper eloquently states, "God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them". Peter, in his fleshly zeal, was acting in opposition to the Father's will, which Jesus acknowledged when He asked Peter, "Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?" (John 18:11 NKJV). This "cup," a metaphor for God's wrath and the suffering Christ was to endure, was the very purpose for which Jesus came (John 3:16 NKJV).

The Overarching Grace of God
In the midst of this tension between divine power and human weakness, the overarching theme of God's grace emerges. Despite the treachery of Judas, the violence of the mob, and the misguided actions of Peter, Jesus remains in control. Yet through it all, we see Jesus exemplifying God's Grace in His submission to arrest, His restraint in not calling down legions of angels and His healing of Malchus's ear. Charles Spurgeon often emphasized the sovereignty of God in salvation, and this is vividly displayed in Jesus's willing sacrifice. Jesus's actions are not coerced; He willingly lays down His life (John 10:18 NKJV), demonstrating a love that surpasses human comprehension. This grace extends beyond the immediate context. As the Apostle John later writes, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16 NKJV). It is this grace that allows us to know God, to be reconciled to Him, and to ultimately behold His glory.

This passage in John 18 isn't just a theological exercise; it has profound implications for our daily lives:

• Acknowledge God's Sovereignty: We must recognize that God's power and plan are infinitely greater than our own. Like the arresting officers who fell back at Jesus's voice, we must approach God with humility and reverence, acknowledging His supreme authority.
• Discern God's Will: Peter's example serves as a warning. We must diligently seek to understand God's will in every situation, resisting the urge to act impulsively or according to our own limited understanding. Prayer, Bible study, and counsel from mature believers are essential tools in this pursuit.
• Embrace God's Grace: We are recipients of God's immeasurable grace. Just as Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself, God extends His love and forgiveness to us. We must live in this grace, extending it to others and remembering that our salvation is not based on our own merit but on Christ's sacrifice.
• Respond in Worship: The appropriate response to encountering the power and grace of God is worship. Like those who will one day cast their crowns before the throne (Revelation 4:10 NKJV), we are called to offer our lives as a sacrifice of praise, surrendering to His will and glorifying His name.

John 18:1-14 is more than just a historical account; it's a theological treatise on the power, sovereignty, and grace of God. It exposes the futility of human resistance to the divine will and magnifies the boundless love that led Christ to the cross. As we reflect on this passage, may we be humbled by God's majesty, guided by His will, and overwhelmed by His unfathomable grace.