Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 18:7-9

"Again therefore he asked them, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I told you that I am [he]; if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: that the word might be fulfilled which he spake, Of those whom thou hast given me I lost not one." — John 18:7-9 (ASV)

Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: that the saying might be fulfilled which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

That was a very gracious saying of Christ's, If therefore ye seek me, let these go their way. This is what Christ says on his people's behalf to death, and to the law and the justice of God, and though this saying does not excuse the disciples' flight, it does make some sort of apology for their going away, every man to his own home.

Christ knew that they would be safer there. One of them followed him far off instead of going his way, and you know what came of it.

There is a time for openly following Christ, and there is a time when Jesus says, Let these go their way. So, right to the end, he takes care of his sheep and bids them scatter for a while, now that the sword is about to enter their Shepherd's heart.