Picture this… You are standing in a garden with your friends. A group of soldiers walk up and your friend says, “Who are you looking for?” The soldier says your friend’s name. Your friend says, “I am he!” He says it with such power and authority, that when the words leave his lips the soldiers stumble backward and fall to the ground!
Can you imagine that? Can you imagine that someone with such power and authority could cause a group of soldiers to fall to the ground with just HIS WORDS? Well, let me tell you, it’s not just a story. This happened in real life.
I was not in the garden that day but his friends were. I would have loved to see it with my own eyes. I’m just thrilled to know that HE calls me his friend.
If you would like to read the story for yourself, here it is.
John 18 (NIV)
1 When 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.
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.
3 So 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.
4 Jesus, 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.)
6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
Cowles Farm 