John 18:1-11
Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to Him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” – John 18:4
During the Passover meal, Judas Iscariot left early. Later, he returned with soldiers and temple guards to the Garden of Gethsemane to arrest Jesus. Jesus knew why they had come, so He stepped forward to meet them. Jesus asked them, “Who are you looking for?” The soldiers answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Then Jesus said to them, “I am he.” (v.5) Jesus’ response was not just confirming, “Yes, I am the one you are looking for.” His words carried a much deeper meaning.
In Greek, “I am” (ego eimi) is the same phrase God used when He revealed Himself to Moses: “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). This phrase represents God’s eternal, sovereign, and all-powerful nature. When Jesus said, “I am,” He was not only identifying Himself as Jesus of Nazareth but also declaring His divine identity. On that dark night, He willingly stepped forward as the “I AM”, walking toward the cross and the path of redemption for all humanity.
The moment Jesus said, “I am,” the soldiers and guards fell to the ground (v.6). These well-armed men could not stand before an unarmed man! This was not because they tripped or lost their balance but because God’s power and glory were revealed, and they could not withstand it.
Even though Jesus had the power to bring His enemies down, He did not run away. Instead, He willingly allowed Himself to be arrested because He knew this was the only way to the cross. Jesus was not a helpless prisoner but the Son of God who willingly surrendered Himself to fulfill the plan of salvation.
Jesus’ “I am” is also a promise of redemption. When Peter drew his sword to defend Jesus, Jesus stopped him. He knew that His death was necessary for God’s salvation plan to be fulfilled. He had to drink this cup of suffering to accomplish the Father’s will and bring salvation to the world.
Reflection:
How do you see Jesus? Today, Jesus is still saying to us, “I am.” But when we come to Him, what kind of Jesus are we looking for? A spiritual mentor? A life coach to solve our problems? A helper who gives us whatever we ask for?
Jesus is not someone we shape according to our expectations. He is the eternal, unchanging “I AM.” He did not come just to comfort us—He came to transform our lives. He did not come just to help us in difficult times—He came to lead us into God’s kingdom. Do you truly know Jesus as the “I AM”?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for declaring, “I am.” You are powerful, yet You willingly gave Your life for me. You are the King, yet You humbly obeyed and walked the road to the cross. Help me to trust in You, O Lord. Open my eyes so that I may know You for who You truly are—not according to my expectations, but according to Your truth. In your name we pray, Amen.
During the Passover meal, Judas Iscariot left early. Later, he returned with soldiers and temple guards to the Garden of Gethsemane to arrest Jesus. Jesus knew why they had come, so He stepped forward to meet them. Jesus asked them, “Who are you looking for?” The soldiers answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Then Jesus said to them, “I am he.” (v.5) Jesus’ response was not just confirming, “Yes, I am the one you are looking for.” His words carried a much deeper meaning.
In Greek, “I am” (ego eimi) is the same phrase God used when He revealed Himself to Moses: “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). This phrase represents God’s eternal, sovereign, and all-powerful nature. When Jesus said, “I am,” He was not only identifying Himself as Jesus of Nazareth but also declaring His divine identity. On that dark night, He willingly stepped forward as the “I AM”, walking toward the cross and the path of redemption for all humanity.
The moment Jesus said, “I am,” the soldiers and guards fell to the ground (v.6). These well-armed men could not stand before an unarmed man! This was not because they tripped or lost their balance but because God’s power and glory were revealed, and they could not withstand it.
Even though Jesus had the power to bring His enemies down, He did not run away. Instead, He willingly allowed Himself to be arrested because He knew this was the only way to the cross. Jesus was not a helpless prisoner but the Son of God who willingly surrendered Himself to fulfill the plan of salvation.
Jesus’ “I am” is also a promise of redemption. When Peter drew his sword to defend Jesus, Jesus stopped him. He knew that His death was necessary for God’s salvation plan to be fulfilled. He had to drink this cup of suffering to accomplish the Father’s will and bring salvation to the world.
Reflection:
How do you see Jesus? Today, Jesus is still saying to us, “I am.” But when we come to Him, what kind of Jesus are we looking for? A spiritual mentor? A life coach to solve our problems? A helper who gives us whatever we ask for?
Jesus is not someone we shape according to our expectations. He is the eternal, unchanging “I AM.” He did not come just to comfort us—He came to transform our lives. He did not come just to help us in difficult times—He came to lead us into God’s kingdom. Do you truly know Jesus as the “I AM”?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for declaring, “I am.” You are powerful, yet You willingly gave Your life for me. You are the King, yet You humbly obeyed and walked the road to the cross. Help me to trust in You, O Lord. Open my eyes so that I may know You for who You truly are—not according to my expectations, but according to Your truth. In your name we pray, Amen.
