John 18:7
Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The arresting party consisted of a Roman cohort (σπεῖρα/speira, potentially 600 soldiers) along with Jewish temple police, an unusual collaboration between Roman military and Jewish religious authorities. This massive force came armed with weapons and torches to arrest one unarmed rabbi—revealing their fear despite superior numbers. In Roman legal procedure, the accused's confession was crucial for prosecution. Jesus's clear self-identification as "Jesus of Nazareth" provided the legal testimony they needed, though His divine "I AM" declaration in verse 6 testified to far more than His earthly origin.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's sovereign control during His arrest challenge our view of suffering and persecution?
- What does the soldiers' unchanged response despite supernatural power reveal about the nature of unbelief?
- How does Jesus's voluntary surrender fulfill His teaching about the Good Shepherd in John 10?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus's repeated question "Whom seek ye?" (τίνα ζητεῖτε/tina zēteite) demonstrates His sovereign control even in arrest. The soldiers had already fallen back at His "I am" declaration (v.6), yet their response remains unchanged: "Jesus of Nazareth." This repetition reveals the hardness of unbelief—even supernatural manifestation of deity doesn't penetrate hearts darkened by sin and religious hatred.
The Greek verb ζητέω (zēteō, "seek") ironically echoes throughout John's Gospel as people "seek" Jesus—some for bread (6:26), some to kill Him (7:1), some in genuine faith (1:38). Here the seeking is hostile, yet Jesus remains in complete command of the encounter. He asks the question not for information but to establish their intent and protect His disciples (v.8).
This second questioning underscores that Jesus goes to the cross voluntarily, not as victim but as sovereign Lord. He could have escaped, called legions of angels (Matthew 26:53), or struck them all dead with a word. Instead, He methodically arranges their confession of seeking Him, demonstrates His power, and then surrenders Himself—the Good Shepherd laying down His life for the sheep (John 10:11, 17-18).