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Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. --- John 18:4-6 V4-5 - John does not record Judas’s kiss of greeting (Matthew 26:49; Mark 14:45; Luke 22:47-48), but Judas’s kiss marked a turning point for the disciples. With Jesus’ arrest, each one’s life would be radically different. For the first time, Jesus’ loyal disciples ran away from him (Matthew 26:56). The band of disciples would undergo severe testing before they were transformed from hesitant followers to dynamic leaders. V5-6 - The men may have been startled by the boldness of Jesus; question or by the words “I am he,” a declaration of his divinity (Exodus 3:14). Or perhaps they were overcome by his obvious power and authority. PRAYER Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for Your willing sacrifice that covers all my sins, even the worst, even the latest. You knew all the cruelty that was about to take place and yet declared boldly, “I am He.” Thank You for Your overwhelming love. I praise Your holy name; The God incarnate, the divine Lamb of God, The Shepherd of the lost sheep, Light of the world, the Resurrection and the Life. Jesus of Nazareth, You alone are worthy of praise! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen