“Jesus went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, He and His disciples entered. And Judas, knew the place; Then Judas, received a detachment of troops, 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.” Now when He said to them, “I AM HE.” they drew back and FELL TO THE GROUND.” (John 18:1-6) The last time there was a battle like this in a garden, it was the garden of Eden. Jesus enters this garden as the second Adam, ready to do battle with Satan. The first Adam waited for Satan to come to him, but Jesus, this Adam, TAKES THE INITIATIVE.
When Jesus declares who He is (I AM HE), the soldiers FALL BACK. While it is impressive, it is still a pretty humble display of Jesus’ power – after all He could have DESTROYED THEM ALL with fire from heaven. Jesus often shows His majesty in ways that speak of humility and weakness.
Jesus, in His prayer to the Father about His disciples, said, “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should KEEP THEM FROM THE EVIL ONE. THEY ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:15-17)
Look at these amazing facts:
- Jesus was born as a humble baby, yet heralded by angels.
- He was laid in a manger, yet announced by a star.
- He submitted to baptism, then heard the Divine voice of approval.
- He slept when He was exhausted, but awoke to calm the storm.
- Jesus wept at a grave, then called the dead to life.
- He submits to arresting troops, then declares His majesty and knocks them over.
- Jesus died on a cross, but in it HE OVERCAME SIN AND DEATH AND SATAN.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham