I Am He

John 18:1–11

We’re looking at Jesus’ arrest in the garden of Gethsemane, told by John. This story shows us three significant things: the most important claim, problem, and mission ever. These help us understand more deeply the meaning of Jesus’ suffering and death, especially as we approach Easter.

1. The most important claim ever made

Jesus said, “I am,” claiming to be God himself. No other religious founder has made such a claim. This challenges the idea that all religions are equal, because if Jesus’ claim is true, Christianity stands above the rest. This means you can’t just have a lukewarm attitude towards Jesus – you either have to fully accept or completely reject him.

2. The most significant problem ever faced

The Bible shows us that meeting God can be overwhelming, even scary, which challenges the modern idea of spirituality being about personal feelings and beliefs. This kind of encounter can break down our self-image that’s built on performance. The idea of a God who’s just nice and easy-going doesn’t match the Bible or make logical sense. The fact that there will be a Judgment Day shows that we can’t stand before God based on our own standards.

3. The most important mission ever undertaken

Jesus willingly let the soldiers arrest him, showing his selfless love and sacrifice for us – he took our place. This means that when Judgment Day comes, we can stand before God, not because of what we’ve done, but because of what Jesus has done for us. His love for us is unshakeable, and assures us that nothing can stop his grace from saving us.