They Drew Back and Fell to the Ground

Today's Reading: 
Numbers 28:16-29:40
John 18:1-24
Psalm 45:1-9
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Focus Verses: John 18:6-8
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?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." 8 "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go."

Insight:
John's account of Jesus' arrest includes a very important detail missing from the other gospels. It also seems to be missing from most contemporary recounts of the story. I've never seen this detail depicted in any Passion play, movie, or painting. I've rarely heard it talked about in sermons. Many Christians actually react with surprise when I point out this detail in John's eyewitness account.

When Judas led a detachment of soldiers and officials from the chief priests and Pharisees to the garden to arrest Jesus, an amazing thing happened. Jesus asked, "Who are you looking for?" They replied, "Jesus the Nazarene." Then Jesus said, "I am he," and when he said those words, Judas and all the soldiers and officials, with their swords and lanterns and torches, fell to the ground.

What an incredible display of Jesus' authority and the power of his word! Clearly, he would not have had to submit to their arrest. No wonder Peter was so emboldened to strike out at a guard. Jesus had made his point, and so asked for the release of his disciples, which was granted, and only then submitted to arrest.

Response and Action:
Jesus clearly did not have to submit to arrest. This demonstrates his free and selfless choice to suffer death on the cross for us and for our salvation. Today, I will offer up my thanks to Christ Jesus who loved me and gave himself for me. I will praise him for his selfless gift of salvation. As a follower of Jesus, I will endeavor to live a selfless life, and surrender myself to God in service to others.

Help me, O God, to have the same attitude that was in Christ Jesus. He emptied himself and was obedient to death—even death on a cross. Help me to empty myself and freely choose to live for you. Give me the grace and courage to serve others in the name and spirit of Jesus. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Philippians 2:4-8
4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Resources:
40 Days Living the Jesus Creed
by Scot McKnight