In the narrative of the Passion of Christ, the men holding Jesus play a significant role in the events leading up to His crucifixion. These individuals are primarily Roman soldiers and Jewish temple guards who were responsible for arresting, mocking, and physically abusing Jesus during His trials. Their actions are recorded in the Gospels, providing insight into the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the suffering endured by Jesus as part of His redemptive mission.

Arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane

The first encounter with the men holding Jesus occurs in the Garden of Gethsemane. After Jesus' prayerful vigil, Judas Iscariot arrives with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders (Matthew 26:47). The Gospel of John specifies that a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees were present (John 18:3). Jesus, fully aware of what was to happen, steps forward to identify Himself, leading to His arrest. The men seize Him and bind Him, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7, which speaks of the suffering servant being led like a lamb to the slaughter.

Mockery and Abuse

Following His arrest, Jesus is taken to the high priest's house, where He faces a series of trials. The men holding Jesus subject Him to mockery and physical abuse. Luke 22:63-65 describes how "the men who were holding Jesus began to mock Him and beat Him. They blindfolded Him and kept demanding, 'Prophesy! Who hit You?' And they said many other blasphemous things against Him." This treatment highlights the fulfillment of Isaiah 50:6, where the servant of the Lord offers His back to those who strike Him and His cheeks to those who pull out His beard.

Trial Before Pilate and Herod

The men holding Jesus continue their role as He is brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate, finding no basis for a charge against Jesus, sends Him to Herod Antipas, who happens to be in Jerusalem at the time. Herod and his soldiers also mock Jesus, dressing Him in a splendid robe before sending Him back to Pilate (Luke 23:11). This act of mockery underscores the rejection and humiliation Jesus faced, as foretold in Psalm 22:6-8.

The Path to Crucifixion

After Pilate succumbs to the crowd's demand for crucifixion, the Roman soldiers take charge of Jesus. They scourge Him, place a crown of thorns on His head, and mockingly hail Him as "King of the Jews" (Matthew 27:27-31). The soldiers' actions fulfill the prophecy of Psalm 22:16-18, which speaks of the Messiah being surrounded by evildoers and having His garments divided.

As Jesus carries His cross to Golgotha, the soldiers compel Simon of Cyrene to bear it for Him (Mark 15:21). Upon reaching the site of crucifixion, they nail Jesus to the cross, casting lots for His clothing, further fulfilling the prophetic words of Psalm 22.

Significance

The men holding Jesus, though acting out of ignorance and malice, play a crucial role in the divine plan of salvation. Their actions, while brutal and unjust, serve to fulfill the prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering and death. Through their hands, the sacrificial Lamb of God is led to the cross, where He bears the sins of the world, offering redemption to all who believe in Him.