City Life Starter

Written by Blesson Selvanesan

The Word

When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” (ESV)

Interpretation

Jesus was not a stranger to be questioned on his identity. People asked him directly and also discussed with one another all the time about his identity. They saw in Him a man filled not only with wisdom and grace, but also with power and authority over everything. This question was asked one more time this night. Jesus’ answer was classic, he said ‘I AM HE’. Everyone knew what he meant, he declared that he is that same I AM that spoke to Moses. That answer was so terrifying that they fell over!

He asked them again, they repeated, we are looking for Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus knowing very well that they have come to arrest him and to demolish his ministry, told them again that ‘I AM HE!’. Since they repeated twice that they are looking for Jesus, Jesus told them that if you are looking to arrested me, then let my people (disciples) go. They stepped forward and arrested Jesus upon being positively identified by the betrayer, Judas Iscariot. They left his disciples and took Jesus. His disciples fled and hid themselves that night. He made provision for his disciples to go so that they can continue His mission which they did successfully against all odds.

Application

God sent Jesus to this earth for a purpose, and that mission was coming to an end. Jesus was to die for the sins of humanity. He had to be crucified and that process began with his arrest at the Garden of Gethsemane. There are many valuable lessons to be learned from this incident. Jesus is still that I AM whether one seeks to follow Him or to discredit Him.

Men’s intentions do not change God and His being. Many seek Jesus to capture and crucify Him just like this mob. They tried to intimidate and harm Jesus and His disciples, and to silence them. People have been trying for more than two millennia to do this. They never succeeded so far and will never be able to succeed in the future. All those who tried to challenge Jesus had to face the ‘I am’ reality just like the apostle Paul. No man can do anything to distort God’s power. The mob thought they can capture and silence Jesus, instead they ended up playing a major part in expanding the message of Jesus.

Jesus also advocated for His disciple to be let off when the mob came for them. He faced his enemies head on and was never afraid of anyone. He trained his disciples and protected and equipped them to carry on the Gospel. This is true even today. His protection is upon his people, He is seated on the right-hand of the heavenly Father advocating for all of us. No amount of persecution can harm a child of God.

I AM is the same God who promised, protected and provided for the Israelites in their journey towards the promised land, and is the same I AM who is willing and able to protect, provide and make a way for us today. Just like Moses stood in the gap, Jesus is standing in the gap for us today.

Prayer

Heavenly father, we thank you for who you are, you are that same I AM even today. Help us to come to you with the right motive. Be with us and protect us, lead us into the promised land. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.