The Power of Words

Read John 18:1-8

Context: Just prior to Jesus' arrest.

Text:

1When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.
2Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

4Jesus, 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.) 6When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.

7Again 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." (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Have you ever been 'knocked over' by someones' words? Words so unexpected, so powerful that your world was thrown off course for a time? The message could have been wonderful or tragic, but they caused a paralysis in your soul for a time while you processed them.

This is the only instance that I know where words actually caused people to fall to the ground...many people. I have to wonder about the emotion behind Christ's words. He had spent the roughest moments of his life just prior to this in prayer, and he knew what lay ahead. There are other times when Jesus revealed to others who he was using the words "I am," but no one was cast to the ground. Was he frustrated and impatient at this moment, saying the words with more force than he would typically? Did he want to give them one more chance to understand and admit whom he really was, so he spoke more powerfully? Or was God giving him a demonstration that, despite what was to come, He was still in control?

It's another one of those questions to put on my list to ask when I get to Heaven. In the meantime, it's one more clear demonstration that Jesus was indeed the Son of God.