18:5
The soldiers give a straightforward answer. “I am he” could be taken to imply the deity of Christ. John makes little mention of Judas, not giving as many details as the synoptic gospels do. He obviously has great disdain for Judas from the various references to Judas in his gospel. In one sense Judas was an essential part of God’s plan, with the various Scriptural references in the Old Testament to someone betraying the Messiah. The chief priests also thought he was essential, or at least very useful, in helping deflect responsibility from themselves. If one of Jesus’ own disciples betrayed Him, then it would help make the crowds approve of the religious leaders’ actions, or so they thought. But in reality Judas was a bit part player of no lasting significance. We may be tempted to abandon Christ, either with the temptation of something “better”, or out of fear or weariness. If we do, then we will become utterly irrelevant. If we want to have true significance in life, and in eternity, then we must remain true to Christ.
18:6
It seems that “I am He” surely did have divine significance. Jesus was revealing Himself, and as a result the soldiers and officials drew back and fell to the ground. When God reveals Himself men are silenced. Our bravado or wisdom which seemed so solid and clever beforehand, quickly turns to nothing. Likewise, the world is very full of itself at the moment, but we can be equally sure that one day all their so-called wisdom will come to nothing. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess.
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