“I AM He"
John 18:1-27
“Now when He had said to them, ‘I am He,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” [John 18:6]
This account, as with several others in John, is unique to the Gospels. While the Synoptics also record the historical account of Gethsemane, it is only here that we find another distinct “I am” reference. The interesting thing is that there is no descriptor in this one; it is simply “I am.”
In your English Bible it reads, “I am He,” but in the original language there is no “He.” “He” is italicized, which is the translator’s way of letting us know that it was added. It would be improper English without “He,” so they added it. The literal text, however, should read, “Now when He said to them, ‘I am,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” But this gives a different flavor to the text, especially considering the several “I am” declarations that we have seen thus far.
- “I am the bread of life” [John 6:35]
- “I am the light of the world” [John 8:12]
- “I am the gate for the sheep” [John10:7]
- “I am the good shepherd” [John 10:11; 10:14]
- “I am the resurrection and the life” [John 11:25]
- “I am the way, the truth, and the life” [John 14:6]
- “I am the vine” [John 15:1; 15]
These were declarations of Deity and ratified by miracles. This one, however, is simply “I am.”
“And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” [Exodus 3:14]
What is interesting is that when Jesus said, “I am” the Gethsemane mob “drew back and fell to the ground.” It was power under control, in the fullest sense. The Person of Jesus, fully God and fully Man, displayed His humility in Gethsemane.
And this set the course of the remaining hours of our Lord’s life. As Peter swung his sword to protect Him, He said, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall
I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” [John 18:11]
Jesus could have surely defended Himself [ref. Matthew 26:53]. However, the mere fact that He did not makes Him Lord.
“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” [Hebrews 10:14]
