Oh, the power of the I Am. Jesus is the great I AM. We see the power in His name when the soldiers come into the olive garden to arrest Jesus. “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.” (John 18: 4-5)
Judas was standing right next to him. Scripture calls him a traitor! I wonder if he and Jesus made eye contact? Jesus had already told him earlier, at the last supper, “Do what you are about to do, quickly.”
Oh, the power in His name! Did you catch what happened when Jesus said, I AM? “They drew back and fell to the ground.” (John 18: 6)
As I read this verse, I couldn’t run past it quickly. The soldiers were thrown back which was clearly displaying that there was such a display of divine presence, majesty, and power in those two words that the enemies of Jesus were powerless to stand against Him.
Some commentaries have said this:
- This shows that Jesus was completely in control of the situation.
- Jesus did not have to go with this arresting army led by Judas.
- With God’s power expressed through His words alone, Jesus could have overpowered them and easily escaped.
“Our Lord chose to give them this proof of his infinite power, that they might know that their power could not prevail against Him if He chose to exert his might, seeing that the very breath of His mouth confounded, drove back, and struck them down to the earth.” (Clarke)
- Never underestimate the power of His word.
After that, Jesus is then taken to Annas, all bound up. Simon Peter and John were following Jesus to the place where they took Him. John went with Jesus into the courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door.
John comes outside to get Peter to bring him with him. The girl at the door asks Peter, “You are not one of His disciples are you?” Peter replied, “I am not!” (John 18: 17)
- The I am not, just denied The I AM.
- This was Peter’s first denial.
The atmosphere outside was cold and a fire was made to keep them warm. Peter was with them outside, feeling cold inside his heart, as he just denied being a disciple of Jesus.
- Keep a warm heart toward the things of God, so our heart doesn’t grow cold. (Shared from John 18: 1-18, Modified)
With One Mind They Plot
The Psalmist is telling of the enemies of Israel. He says, “With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you.” (Psalm 83: 5)
- We see the enemies of Israel.
- We see the enemies of Jesus.
Aren’t they one in the same? Here’s what’s concluded for both, “Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord–that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” (Psalm 83: 18)
- Those who love the Lord must love Israel. (Shared from Psalm 83, Modified)
Pride Leads To His Downfall
Another young king, Uzziah, at age sixteen is crowned. This young man reigned in Jerusalem for fifty-two years. He learned from Zechariah to have reverence for the Lord, and “As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.” (2 Chronicles 26: 5)
Uzziah built towers, he had a well-trained army, ready to go when needed. He did well until, “Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall.” (2 Chronicles 26: 16)
- Pride goes before a fall.
He was afflicted with leprosy and they ushered him out of the temple. He was excluded from the temple for the rest of his life, because of leprosy.
Remember the I AM is where God’s people get their strength and power. There is so much in those small two words, I AM.
In Hebrew grammar it means, I am, I was, and I will be. Yes, only the Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
(Shared from 2 Chronicles 26, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
You can find all of the Unbroken Love series posts by clicking the button below.
