1When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.
2Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
5“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. (John 18:1-6)
Thoughts: John indicates his major prayer was in Jerusalem, then he went into the garden of Gethsemane where he met Jesus. Doubtless Jesus also prayed in Gethsemane. Jesus had predicted Judas' betrayl earlier (John 13). Judas was guiding the detachment. But Judas did not kiss Jesus in John John did not have a high image of Judas. When Jesus saw the soldiers, he was not embarrased to identify themselves, though. He identified himself as "I am he." He is the I am- the one who was, is and is to come. The seven I am sayings in Jesus climax here.
Prayer: Lord, help me to recognize you for who you are.
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