John 18:7-9, Let These Men Go

7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” 

When Moses met God at the burning bush, Moses wanted to know his name, and God wanted to rescue his people from evil so they could escape from slavery and worship him. The exodus, in a sense, is being replayed in John. Jesus identifies himself with the name of God and as God himself. His aim, speaking to Judas and his band of thugs, is the protection of his disciples, that none will be harmed, none will be lost, all may escape.

John reinforces the replay of exodus where God’s words, spoken through Moses, are all fulfilled by the ten plagues, leading to the ultimate freedom (escape) of his people in which none was lost under the mark of the blood of the Passover lamb. Jesus’ words are fulfilled as Scripture is fulfilled. His words and Scripture are on the same level.

Jesus, thank you for being our Passover lamb who takes away the sin of the world that we may escape. Thank you for caring for us, whom the Father has given to you. Amen.