Good Friday & The Arrest of Jesus the Nazarene
When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” - John 18:6 (ESV)
Of all the times Jesus used the words “I AM” to identify Himself, this occasion might be the one with the greatest impact on his audience. The Temple Police with a band of Roman soldiers have been sent to find and arrest Jesus with the help of the betrayer Judas Iscariot who filled with Satan leads them to where he knows Jesus would be with the disciples. Judas knew they would be camping out for the night on the ground in a garden olive orchard as many other times. But not on this night. Jesus, having prayed, is prepared for what's next. The arresting officials come, Jesus asks them who they are looking for. “Jesus of Nazareth” they say. “I Am He,” Jesus says. They all fall over backward. It takes two times of Jesus asking and saying “I Am He.” The 'I am' words which Jesus spoke are found in passages we have considered over the past few days. (Mark 6; John 6, 8, 10, 14, 15). In this passage it refers to the action of Jesus whereby he stands guard over the spiritual welfare of his own, keeping them, sustaining their service for everlasting life in the mansions above. That's our promise today.198
