John 7:45

Case in point—the temple officers are beckoned by the head priests and Pharisees who quickly complain, “Why have you not seized him and brought him to us?” John 7:45 EFP 

It is difficult to miss the three entities involved in the behind-the-scenes machinations. The temple officers were the enforcers of order on the temple grounds.  They were the 
“muscle” used by the priests to carry out their dirty work. The priests wielded great religious power and they were not afraid to use it to accomplish their goals. By this time in the history of Israel, the priest had deteriorated into a group of political appointees, rather the spiritual leaders of the nation. That role may have been claimed proudly by the Pharisees, who were considered the guardians of morality and law-keeping.

The latter two have the authority to move the powers that be to seize Jesus. The officers have the physical ability to carry out the mandate given them. The latter do nothing but order others to take hold of Jesus. The officers go with the intent of doing their masters’ wishes, but come back empty-handed. The scene cannot possibly be a pleasant one.

The leaders are reminded of what the guards discover that day—Jesus is not a pushover. He is not a tame lion. He cannot be harnessed or seized without his consent. He is very likely a meek and mild-mannered man who exudes power by his very presence. Jesus—as is the case with His Father, whom he came to reveal, cannot be taken hold of against his will. He would surrender voluntarily in time, but not today.