Near the end of the book of John, we read about the night of Jesus’ arrest. The religious leaders and a large mob went to find Him, led by Judas who knew where to find Him. He knew Jesus would be in a place He often went to pray with his disciples, the Garden of Gethsemane.
Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
John 18:2-6 NIV
“I am” Stops An Angry Mob
As the mob approaches him, Jesus asks who they want. They then ask for Him directly by name. Jesus’ reply is simply ego eimi in the Greek (John 18:5-6), or “I am”. The NIV and other translations record it as “I am he”, adding the “he”. Jesus used this reply in other places in the book of John (John 4:26, 8:24), but this time we see the mob draw back and fall to the ground (18:6). Why would this mob, eager to sieze the man who boldy claimed to be God, back off temporarily and fall as in worship?
The Jewish leaders and others in the mob would have recognized Jesus’ words immediately, especially if He actually spoke them in Hebrew. In Exodus 3, when Moses was reluctant to go back to Egypt, he asked what to say if the Israelites asked who sent him (Exodus 3:13). God’s answer was “I AM WHO I AM”. The Israelites only knew God by this name, “I AM”. The Jewish people considered the name of God as sacred and wouldn’t even speak it. Hebrew is a language without vowels, and God’s name of “I am” is represented in English as YHWH, or what we pronounce as “Yahweh” or “Jehovah”. When Jesus answers with these words, he is effectively saying “I am God”.
At His declaration that “I am”, the crowd draws back and falls to the ground. He has to ask them again:
Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he.”
John 18:7-8a
“I am” Meets Our Needs
Jesus told them, and tells us today, that He is “I am”. Jesus is the Son of God, the “Great I am” and the answer to our greatest questions and needs.
- Who is the the Bread of Life, who provides us with the spiritual food that we need? Jesus answers “I am”
- Who is the Light of the World, guiding us in the way we should live? Jesus answers “I am”
- Who is the Gate to the Sheep Pen, the one who protects us from the thieves and robbers who are trying to steal our joy and salvation? Jesus answers “I am”
- Who is the Good Shepherd, taking care of us and binding our wounds when we’re attacked by the world and Satan? Jesus answers “I am”
- Who is the Resurrection and the Life, giving us hope when all is lost and hope of heaven? Jesus answers “I am”
- Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life, the only salvation, the only path to know and be with the Father? Jesus answers “I am”
- Who is the True Vine, the one who gives us the Spirit to be in us and give us strength to live faithfully? Jesus answers “I am”
“I am” is the Great I AM
Jesus is the Great I am, and at His name we should draw back and fall to our knees! If you haven’t made Jesus your “I am”, then something is missing in your life. Maybe you’ve looked for ways to fill that void, but found them all to be lacking and not meeting your needs. Jesus can fill all of your spiritual needs. Take time to look at the Scriptures. Find someone who knows the Great I AM and can help you understand His Words. Make sure you are following the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
If you’ve already made a commitment that Jesus is the Great I AM, and is Lord of your life, then fall to your knees and worship Him. Do this not just here and now, but with your life and to the end.
Editor’s Note: Special thanks to my sister and friend, Carmen Spearman, for the encouragement she gave me following the sermon I delivered on the Seven I Am Statements. Her response prompted me not only to take my notes and publish this blog series, but also inspired me to begin writing again. Thanks, Carmen!