Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?”

The Levites who were the temple police sent out by the chief priests in verse #32 return without Jesus. As McGarvey points out, “The words suggest that the Sanhedrin was assembled and waiting for the return of the officers. An extraordinary proceeding for so great a day, but no more extraordinary than that assembly at the feast of the Passover which met and condemned Jesus six months later.” (TFG 449-450) The members of the Sanhedrin have apparently been waiting for the return of the officers with their captive so they can question him, and are stunned and very upset that their orders have not been carried out.

Why did no one lay a hand on Him? Probably the same reason as listed in (John 7:30). Nobody could do anything to Him (or to us, by the way) unless God allowed it. The rulers could order their guards to do things all day long, but to no avail unless God said “Yes” (Jer 10:23). Pilate thought he had the power (John 19:10), but Jesus set him straight on that (John 19:11). This is particularly good news for those who belong to God, for when God says He will do something for you, nothing can stop Him (Rom 8:31).

John 7:30  At this they tried to seize him, but no-one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come.

Jer 10:23  I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.

John 19:10  “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realise I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”

John 19:11  Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

Rom 8:31  What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?