Scripture

As Jesus said “I AM he,” they all drew back and fell to the ground.

Observation

Jesus and His disciples (less Judas) go to an olive grove. Judas arrives with a contingent of guards. Jesus steps forward and asks, “Who are you looking for?” The guards reply, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

When Jesus replies, “I AM he,” all the guards fall to the ground. They repeat the exchange, but this time Jesus allows them to arrest Him.

They take Jesus to the home of the priest Annas. In the courtyard there, some people ask Peter if he is a follower of Jesus, but he denies this.

Application

There is power in the name of Jesus.

In this reading, when Jesus affirms His identity “I AM he,” that phrase “I AM” is actually the name of Yahweh (the Lord) in the Greek version of the Hebrew Old Testament.

Jesus is saying here that He and the Father (Yahweh or “I AM”) are one. The God of the Old Testament is now revealed in Jesus the Son.

The guards and all who are opposed to Jesus fall down at this. They are utterly disarmed.

It is only that Jesus is in control of events, and allows them to arrest Him that they are able to do so.

The name of Jesus is powerful.

That is why satan strives to diminish the name of Jesus in our culture. The name that is above all names has become a swear word. It has become so debased in public usage that there is no power.

Even christians are guilty of reducing the name of Jesus. We do this by using it as a formula at the end of prayers.

The name of Jesus, when taken seriously, slays the opposition. Nothing can stand against the name because the name is the word, the message, the proclamation that points the whole of creation to the cross, to redemption and to eternal life.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I honour your name. Please show me how to live and speak in the awareness of the power of your name. Amen.