S)"4 So Jesus, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth and *said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered Him, “Jesus the Nazarene.” He *said to them, “I am He.” And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them. 6 So when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground."
John 18:4-6 (NASB)
O) I really appreciate the NASB translation for passages like this one. There are some subtleties that I think might be lost if they are not carefully, and literally translated. In NASB, any time there is a "*" it's because they've changed the present-tense verb to past-tense for accurate English grammar; however, in Greek, it was common during this period to use present tense as a literary tool to create emphasis and transport the reader to the event. Also, in NASB, the use of italics indicates that the word is not literally there, but it's only implied by the context.
So, "Jesus said to them, 'I am He.'" is more accurately translated, "Jesus says to them, 'I am.'"
A few things stand out to me under this insight. First, it is only Jesus' responses that were written in present tense. That isn't always the case in John. In this passage, he's placing a particular emphasis on Jesus' words. Also, Jesus' initial response is the same as the LORD's response to Moses, when he asks whom he shall say sent him. Now, these were men who had in mind to come arrest a blasphemer, an infidel, a heretic. They had been in His presence before, seen his miracles, yet were completely unconvinced that Jesus was the Son of God. But, when Jesus, the Son of God, speaks the same response as the LORD (that's the English substituted translation for Jehovah), in essence referring to Himself as the Great I Am, they are compelled to draw back and fell to the ground!
A) God's presence is all around. He is, in fact, omnipresent. The Holy Spirit is always with me. Jesus promised to be with us any time 2 or 3 are gathered in His name; however, there is a marked difference in God's presence being around, and His presence being manifested. See, there is something significant, and sometimes even tangible, when we are able to acknowledge His presence. This is the sort of knowledge that sometimes even feels forced upon us. It's the difference between knowing a corvette can go 200 mph, and actually riding a corvette going 200 mph. This is the type of presence of God that breaks chains, and brings freedom. It's the type of encounter that solidifies faith and brings wonder. It's the kind of move that miraculously changes bodies and souls. This is the kind of presence of God I should be seeking. I need to put my mind a place where I am focused on acknowledging His sovereignty and lordship over me. I want a genuine moment before my King, that brings makes me fall down before Him in submission.
P) Father, You are the LORD, God Almighty. You created the heavens and the earth, and all that are in them. Your goodness and loving-kindness do not fail. You are are slow to anger, and perfect in justice and compassion. Holy, holy, holy are You, LORD God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. Make me aware of Your presence in my life in a whole new way, God. I want to be experienced in Your courts, Father. I want to know who You are because I have spent so much time with You. Help me focus on You more often, and with more devotion, God. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
So, "Jesus said to them, 'I am He.'" is more accurately translated, "Jesus says to them, 'I am.'"
A few things stand out to me under this insight. First, it is only Jesus' responses that were written in present tense. That isn't always the case in John. In this passage, he's placing a particular emphasis on Jesus' words. Also, Jesus' initial response is the same as the LORD's response to Moses, when he asks whom he shall say sent him. Now, these were men who had in mind to come arrest a blasphemer, an infidel, a heretic. They had been in His presence before, seen his miracles, yet were completely unconvinced that Jesus was the Son of God. But, when Jesus, the Son of God, speaks the same response as the LORD (that's the English substituted translation for Jehovah), in essence referring to Himself as the Great I Am, they are compelled to draw back and fell to the ground!
A) God's presence is all around. He is, in fact, omnipresent. The Holy Spirit is always with me. Jesus promised to be with us any time 2 or 3 are gathered in His name; however, there is a marked difference in God's presence being around, and His presence being manifested. See, there is something significant, and sometimes even tangible, when we are able to acknowledge His presence. This is the sort of knowledge that sometimes even feels forced upon us. It's the difference between knowing a corvette can go 200 mph, and actually riding a corvette going 200 mph. This is the type of presence of God that breaks chains, and brings freedom. It's the type of encounter that solidifies faith and brings wonder. It's the kind of move that miraculously changes bodies and souls. This is the kind of presence of God I should be seeking. I need to put my mind a place where I am focused on acknowledging His sovereignty and lordship over me. I want a genuine moment before my King, that brings makes me fall down before Him in submission.
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