Jesus’ Trial, Death and Resurrection (As Recorded by John)نموونە

Jesus had Himself taken captive

“Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to Him, came forward and said to them, ‘Whom do you seek?’ They answered Him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am He.’” (John 18:4-5)

Imagine a park or forest, in the middle of the night, with no street lights. Jesus was with His disciples in such a setting. Suddenly a group of soldiers arrived with torches and weapons. Instead of hiding or running away, Jesus stepped forward. He knew that these soldiers were looking for Him, so He made Himself known. In this way He protected His followers. “If you seek Me, let these men go.” (John 18:8)

The Lord Jesus had made clear many times in the previous years who He was. He used all kinds of images to do so. He called Himself: the Good Shepherd, the Light of the world, the Resurrection and the Life, and so on. But this short phrase “I am He” is also packed with meaning. It was not a coincidence that the soldiers drew back when Jesus said this. They even fell to the ground. Jesus' words had power. He was indeed “Jesus of Nazareth,” but He was also God, the great “I am.” Under that mysterious name, God Himself had long ago revealed Himself to Moses. That same reality echoed in Jesus' words.

Peter, one of Jesus' followers, tried to defend Him. But Jesus didn't want that. He wanted to carry out God's plan (John 18:11) and that included this arrest.

Who is Jesus to you? Do you think He is the great “I am”? How does an arrest fit into that picture?