Michael Jordan

John 18:4-6

Monday, March 26

4 Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, "Whom are you looking for?" 5 They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus replied, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they stepped back and fell to the ground. – John 18:4-6

Whenever I gather with a new group of people where attendance needs to be taken, it is hilarious to see everyone look around when my name is called, "Michael Jordan." People are expecting to see this famous basketball player. They are preparing to be star struck. When their eyes finally land on me as I respond, "here I am," they are filled with disappointment.

When these soldiers come to arrest Jesus, they experience something drastically different than disappointment. With just this simple response to who are you looking for – "I am he" – these soldiers are star struck. What a sight this would have been! These trained soldiers know what they are expecting to find, and yet the uttering of this name of God brings them crashing to the ground. Even though Jesus knows all that will follow from this arrest, he can boldly look at them and respond with the simple 
"I am he." Here Jesus does not worry about disappointing anyone for Jesus maintains control of what is to come.

Questions for reflection:

• What is a moment in your life where you have been struck by awe and wonder?
• When you have been able to bravely stand up for something you knew was right (or wish you would have stood up?)

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, may you continue to fill us with awe and inspire us to be bold like you.