Note that the last part of His words to the soldiers, “let these men go” is in the form of a command which is contingent upon what they have just told Him. Any advantage Jesus gained by the troops falling down is used for the safety of His disciples. In the back of their minds, the soldiers must have been thinking that doing what He said might be a good idea. Morris here notes that “The Good Shepherd takes thought for His sheep at the very hour in which He goes forth to arrest, trial and death.” The heart of Jesus is again revealed to us by his actions. Jesus had asked twice whom they were seeking and out of their mouths came the answer, again twice, “Jesus of Nazareth.” In effect He has led them to declare that their business is not with the disciples, but with Him alone.

Interestingly enough, Jesus is here doing that which He is going to the cross to do: offering Himself as the sacrifice to secure the well-being of His followers.