Jesus addressed them and said, “Have you come out against Me with swords and clubs, as against a robber, to arrest Me?”
Christ reveals the unjust and absurd nature of their action. They have come to seize Him armed, as if He were a robber, even though His whole life had been open teaching, mercy, and holiness. This question is an accusation directed at their conscience. With outward force they were trying to cover their inward lawlessness. When people act against the truth, they often present it as something dangerous in order to justify their violence. Christ brings their false pretext into the light.