Sermon nuggets Weds Nov 5
Theme- Jesus’ Arrest
Verses John 18: 5-7 "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)
6 When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
Observe Jesus Power.
According to Robert Deffinbaugh, John leaves the kiss of Judas out because things do not go according to the prearranged plan of Judas and the Jews. Jesus would not attempt to elude them or to conceal His identity. Jesus would not attempt to avoid His arrest, illegal though it might be. Instead of our Lord’s identity being revealed deceitfully by the kiss of Judas, our Lord identified Himself. Judas had nothing to contribute other than to indicate the place where Jesus could be found. As Judas, the Jews, and the Roman soldiers arrived, it was Jesus who took change, bringing to pass the events that followed
This is the key to realize the truth of who is really in command. Jesus comes to them and asked who it is you want. Jesus of Nazareth was the reply. “The Greek words in this passage are literally “I AM” translated I am He.
I think that is significant. You remember at the burning bush incident Moses asked God his name. He said, “I AM” was his name. When people ask you who send you say, “I AM has sent you. The name represents power. It was the power of that name of Jesus that miracles would be performed. It is the power of that name of God that the gates of Hell are shattered. Those who believe in the name of Jesus shall be saved.
The next thing that happens is really remarkable. He mentions His name and they all fall down. How is that for power? Think of it, 100 to 200 people falling just as soon as Jesus tells them “I am he”. Who is arresting whom?
The song writer says that Jesus could have called 10,000 angels to defend Him but he died alone for you and me. Jesus didn’t have to call angels, just reveal His identity.
Unbelievers have had experiences that could be explained by no other way than miracles of the power of God, but have remained set in their unbelief. The soldiers got up again and Jesus repeats the question. They repeat the answer. This is the completion of the prophecy in Ps 27:2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.”
Look at the plans of the arresting party. They also carried torches along so they could hunt Jesus down if He sought to escape them and avoid arrest. They had a pre-arranged signal, so that Judas could indicate who Jesus was, and to make sure there would be no mistake when they seized Him. But instead of the scenario they had pictured in their minds, it was completely different. Jesus did not flee from them; He boldly walked right up to them. They were disarmed (so to speak) by our Lord’s boldness. If the Jewish officials and the temple police were trying to maintain an aura of authority, it was no longer possible.
There is power in the name of Jesus. Again, it is in the person and the authority that dwells in you that we can go in confidence today as we carry the name and honor of our Lord.
Pastor Dale
