Divine Power

We often hear that Jesus knew all that was going to happen as He was betrayed, faced a false trial, and went to the cross. How do we know that? John tells Jesus knew. Not only did Jesus know but He was in control of the situation. He met His betrayer with dignity.

As Judas was coming with the soldiers, Jesus went to meet them. In that meeting, Jesus continued to care for His disciples. Though He knew they would desert Him in this time of trouble, He wanted to ensure they were not harmed. He had a plan for their future.

When Jesus asks the soldiers who they are looking for, they tell Him they are looking for Him. When He says, “I am he,” they step back and fall to the ground (John 18:6). Why might that be? The statement Jesus speaks could simply be interpreted simply as “I am.” This is the same name God gives Moses when he asks what to tell the Israelites if they ask the name of God. Jesus uses several “I am” statements throughout John to describe who He is.

The soldiers and others fall in reverence and even in worship, though they may not have fully understood why. When in the presence of divine power, there is no other option than to bow down. This is just a glimpse of what will happen when Jesus returns.

Jesus asks a second time who they are looking for and again tells them He is the one they are looking for. They finally gain the courage to take Him into custody and lead Him off for the false trials before the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate. I can only imagine the soldiers were wary of their task after having encountered Jesus’ divine power. Yet, they were doing what they were instructed to do and ultimately following God’s plan.

I pray we all know that God is in control. I pray we understand Jesus is the great I Am. I pray each one of us willingly bow down to Jesus and recognize His divine power in all situations.  Know that God is in control. Know that Jesus is the great I Am. Bow down to Jesus. See His divine power.

John 18:4-5 Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.