Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”
They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I AM He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, “I AM He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
— John 18:3-6 (TPT)
Jesus is in the Olive Garden where scripture says he often went, so he wasn’t difficult to find. Yet, the Romans gave the Jewish leaders a detachment of troops which was about 600 soldiers. They came with lanterns, torches and weapons. Really? They needed a full detachment? Jesus never demonstrated that he was resistant to anybody.
Now imagine this, you are standing in the crowd that followed the soldiers there, watching. You’ve been wondering what disruptive and evil criminal they were after. Peaking here and there through the crowd, you finally get a glimpse of a man facing them calmly. Why, it’s Jesus, the miracle worker. He asks them whom they are looking for?
When they answer, Jesus, he says confidently and without defense, “I AM”. Translators added the “he”. According to the original Greek, he said “I Am”. This is what God said to Moses from the burning bush, “I AM WHO I AM”. We are seeing Jesus standing before the people telling them that the Creator of all things is standing before them.
And then what happened? They – who is “they”? Not just one person, but all 600 soldiers plus the Jewish leaders and everybody in that crowd stepped back and fell down on the ground – strong men. Six hundred plus lying on the ground. Nobody pushed them and they didn’t trip.
Power! The power of the Almighty demonstrated right there. Jesus was in charge that night as the Captain of the host of the Lord’s army. Nobody could seize him unless he permitted them to do so. (See John 10:17-18)
Doesn’t this stir your emotions? Why did he submit to this torture and death? Because of you. He went through the suffering of the cross taking on all your mess – sin, sickness, disease, anger, depression, inferiority, and on and on, bearing it willfully. Then taking it to the grave and through faith left it there – forever. He rose up from the grave, free, victorious!
You are valued and loved. My heart cries out with joy and gratefulness. What a Savior! I am undone. I may not understand this love, but I see it and I receive it.
He is looking at you right now with loving eyes and arms open wide. Run into his arms. That’s what He wants. He wants you. This is the great I AM.
Happy Resurrection Day!
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