Our Text …

“1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. 2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. 3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. 6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. 7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. 8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: 9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.”

Jesus is being arrested! One of the preludes to the Cross of Calvary, this Apprehension. One Preacher said: “In the Gospels (particularly John) the Cross is not an accident, it is the Goal!”

Here 600+ men fall backwards at the mention of the Name “I AM!” Compare that fact with Psalm 27:2 … “When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.”

And Psalm 35:4 … “Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.”

The Greek verb “to betray” is “paradidomi.” It grammatically mean’s “to hand over.” Judas handed Jesus over to the Pharisees! They handed Jesus over to the High Priest. He handed Jesus over to Pilate. Pilates handed Jesus over to Herod. Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate. Pilate handed Jesus over to the scourgers. They handed Jesus over to the executioners. But in reality, Jesus handed Himself over to Death, even the Death of the Cross! (“Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” John 10:17-18)

And truthfully, even John 3:16 has God the Father handing Jesus over to the whole wide world to come and die and thereby save its lost inhabitants. Yes, the verb “gave” in John 3:16 is that Greek verb “paradidomi!”

These two words … “I AM” … and one writer (commentator) broke out into song … “ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME!”

Remember that in the Gospel of John Jesus knows everything! He is omniscient! “Proof Texts” indicating such knowledge include … John 1:48, 2:24-25, and 5:6. Add then john 6:61, 7:28-29 and 8:14!

Oh, what a Saviour!

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— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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