John 18:6 

New Living Translation (NLT)

As Jesus said “I am he,” they all drew back and fell to the ground!

For Meditation

Three words! Yet, packed with power and authority. The power from His response threw them on their backs. How then could they arrest Him when they had absolutely no ability to come near Him? But they came all the same. Poor homo sapiens! How pathetic we are! How slow to learn.

Did the chief priests and Pharisees think they had authority over Him? Were the weapons they brought along, sufficient to overpower Him? Isn’t it interesting how we have come to trust in ourselves as final authority on this planet and in our technological inventions? We move with the air of invincibility when we’re in our element. But what do we know? What do we have that we did not receive from Him whom they had come to arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane (1 Cor. 4:7; Jn. 18:2-11)? Yet, they came.

Did they understand those three words at all? Did anyone have understanding? They claimed knowledge of the one true God, and as custodians of His righteous laws and decrees. They boasted in them and exercised authority in His name. They waited for the promised Messiah; or did they really? For, if they did, they would have heard Him through those three words.

The many times He identified Himself as the “I Am” –  the bread of life (6:35, 48, 51), the light of the world (8:12; 9:5), the door of the sheep (10:7, 9), the good shepherd (10:11, 14), the resurrection and the life (11:25), the way, the truth, and the life (14:6), and the true vine (15:1) – they would have known they were before their Maker and King. But, what did they know? What do we know, even now?

Then, there was the kiss of all kisses (Lk.22:47-48). Three years with Jesus, yet Judas learned nothing. He was there for his selfish interest, and so long as the “show” that gave him some prominence and money lasted, he played along (Jn. 12:6). But now it was ending, so why not cash in for the last? Isn’t that so true of many today?

How many haven’t bailed out on their spouses, families, friends, and colleagues when the going got tough in life? And we dare bring that attitude to the King of Glory. Unfortunately, that’s what we do to Jesus almost every day. So, can you look into your heart and see if you’re not equally guilty, keeping in mind, His response in Gethsemane – “I Am he!”

“I AM WHO I AM” (Ex. 3:14). That’s who Jesus is. Israel should have known their God whose name they even feared to pronounce. He came to His own as He promised, but He came on His own terms and in His own way. For, He is I AM WHO I AM, will be who He will be. He is Sovereign and Lord of all. He will never change to fit the expectations of any being.

So, who are you looking for today?

Hear His response. “I Am He” –  Your Savior and Lord – God Almighty is Jesus Christ.

Do you know Him?

Shalom