Read John 18-21
“So where can I sign you up? Do you have a favorite chapter of Scripture you’d like to write about?” asks our new Small Groups Pastor, Bryan!
My mind draws a complete blank.
Seriously, nothing comes to mind.
No Sunday School stories or memorized Scripture – nothing. (At this point, I’m hoping he’s not wondering who hired me and why…)
My finger warily points to a sheet filled with Scripture addresses, “…um, wherever you need me…?”
And without planning or much thought, my name is scribbled down next to some of my favorite Scriptures in John. Actually, two of my most favorite words that Jesus speaks while walking on this planet are recorded in John 18…
The scene opens, it’s dark – late at night. The torches can be seen on the horizon, approaching through the olive groves – the closer they get, the more we realize they’re on a mission – their feet stomping, the sound of their muffled voices – they’re looking for something, for someone.
Their silhouettes emerge through the darkness, fully armed – here for business.
They came to arrest a criminal, a traitor.
They want, “Jesus of Nazareth”
Jesus replies at the end of verse 5, but just a bit differently than you’re reading in your English translation. The original Greek does not have the word ‘he’ at the end. Jesus literally states, “I Am!”
Just, “I Am!”
And as He replies, “they went backward (drew back, lurched backward) and fell to the ground.”
Can you just imagine their faces? Stunned disbelief. They’ll never be the same. Jesus’ words had swept over them, bringing them to their knees.
Do you remember the first time God introduced Himself this way?
Out of a burning bush to an Egyptian Prince-turned-shepherd: Moses. In Exodus 3:14, God says, “I AM WHO I AM”
My heart can hardly contain my excitement as I type! I’m smiling – feeling a bit like those soldiers – disbelief, stunned. Marveling at the work Jesus accomplished over the next few chapters in John’s gospel.
Jesus became my ransom.
My Savior.
My prize. My great reward.
He is my I AM.
- Darcy Sauer is the Women’s Ministry Leader at Adventure Church
