Verses John 18: 4-7 “Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?" 5 "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6. When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
According to Dr. Robert Deffinbaugh’s commentary, the Apostle John leaves the kiss of Judas out of his account because things do not go according to the prearranged plan of Judas and the Jews. Jesus would not attempt to conceal His identity. Jesus would not attempt to avoid His arrest, illegal though it might be. Instead of our Lord’s identity being revealed deceitfully by the kiss of Judas, our Lord identified Himself outright. Judas had nothing to contribute other than to indicate the place where Jesus could be found. As Judas, the Jews, and the Roman soldiers arrived, it was Jesus who took charge, bringing to pass the events that followed
This is the key to realize the truth of who is really in command. Jesus comes to them and asked who it is you want. “Jesus of Nazareth.” was the reply. The Greek words in this passage are literally “I AM” translated “I am He”.
I think that is significant. You remember at the burning bush Moses asked God His name. He said, “I AM” was His name. When people asked Moses who sent he was to say, “I AM has sent me.”. That name represents power. It was the power of that name of Jesus that miracles would be performed. It is the power of that name that the gates of hell are shattered. At the name of Jesus, demons shutter.
The next thing that happens is really remarkable. He mentions His name and they all fall down. How is that for power? Think of it, 100 to 200 people falling just as soon as Jesus tells them “I am He”. Who is arresting whom?
The song writer declares Jesus could have called 10,000 angels to defend Him but He died alone for you and me. Jesus didn’t have to call angels, just say His name.
Unbelievers have had experiences that could be explained by no other way than miracles of the power of God, but still remained set in their unbelief. They got up again and Jesus repeats the question. They repeat the answer. This is the fulfillment of the prophecy in Ps 27:2 “When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.”
They also carried torches along so they could hunt Jesus down if He sought to escape them and avoid arrest. They had a pre-arranged signal, so that Judas could indicate who Jesus was, and to make sure there would be no mistake when they seized Him. But instead of the scenario they had pictured in their minds, it was completely different. Jesus did not flee from them; He boldly walked right up to them. They were disarmed (so to speak) by our Lord’s boldness. If the Jewish officials and the temple police were trying to maintain an aura of authority, it was no longer possible.
Jesus and you make a majority. Think about that today if you are afraid.
Prayer: I love you Lord and I know that I, too, can have boldness when I am confronted for my faith. You have given me authority to disarm the enemy with your Holy Word. Oh that I might hide your word in my heart.
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