Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Rome, Italy, 2012
“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 18:4-6
Has it been a long time since you actually spent time reading in The Bible? Maybe some have not picked up a Bible since childhood, or Sunday Bible School. Some may have memorized verses as a child, but haven’t read them in context as an adult. If it has been a long time pick up your Bible and read. Your understanding as an adult is quite different than as a child.
As a child, I might have read the above quote and laughed at the idea of all the soldiers falling to the ground when Jesus spoke. As an adult, I have a much different reaction. As an adult I can read between the lines. As an adult I don’t view it as humor, but as proof.
This quote deepens my understanding of exactly what is taking place at Jesus’ arrest. First, Jesus has full knowledge of all that has happened to make His arrest possible. He knows that Judas is His betrayer and has done so. Second, He has full knowledge of all that is going to happen and still meets His destiny head on. He goes out to His captors and asks them who it is they seek.
The third, and most telling part, is that when Jesus speaks, the soldiers draw back and fall to the ground. In this instant Jesus is showing His power, letting all know, that without His consent, they would have no power over Him. He is arrested voluntarily.
A child might not fully grasp these implications, but as an adult, we are fully capable of understanding all that they mean. We have no excuse.
Imagine a love so real, so strong, so merciful and forgiving, that one would choose a destiny of torture and crucifixion. And yet, that is exactly what Jesus did. He did it for me. He did it for you.
Now imagine His Agony In The Garden, knowing full well exactly what was to happen to Him; knowing every vile, torturous act that would befall Him on our behalf. He consented by telling God, The Father, “Not my will, but yours be done.” Then He went out to meet His destiny. Our own destiny lies within His.
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