The “I AM” of Christmas

John 15; John 16; John 17; John 18
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The “I AM” of Christmas

Scripture

John 18

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.

7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.

8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”

10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

Observation

Christmas is way more than a baby being born in a manger. It is all about God’s plan to redeem us from the clutches of sin and death. He allowed his self to be arrested in that garden that night for you and for me. At just the hearing of His words, “I am he” the soldiers that came to arrest him fell backwards to the ground. Can you visualize this scene? Then Peter drew his sword and cut off the right ear of the servant of the high priest … Jesus restores the ear and then allows the soldiers to arrest Him. Can you visualize all of this? I can.

Application

I will have a thankful heart today for all that Christ has done for me.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You alone are worthy. I praise You during this Christmas season. It is a wonderful time to think and reflect on all that You have done for us.

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