Then Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to Him, went out and said to them, “Who is it you’re looking for?” “Jesus the Nazarene,” they answered. “I am He,” Jesus told them. Judas, who betrayed Him, was also standing with them. When He told them, “I am He,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. John 18:4-6 HCSB
I had the opportunity to be the co-chairman of the Follow Up Committee for the Billy Graham Crusade in Nashville. After the service each evening it was my committee’s responsibility to address and mail packets of information to everyone who made a decision for Christ and then send their contact information to a local pastor for follow up. It was a huge task, but I really enjoyed being of service for the Billy Graham Crusade. One evening Billy Graham and his son, Franklin, walked through our area just to thank us for our work. It was an honor to be in close proximity to such a godly man as Billy Graham. There seemed to be a sense of awe and respect from each volunteer as the Grahams addressed us.
John is the only Gospel writer who records that the soldiers, temple police, Pharisees, and even Judas stepped back and fell to the ground when Jesus proclaimed, “I am He”. His proclamation was more than just saying, “I am Jesus”. His words, “I am He” served as a proclamation that He was the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. In the same situation, most of us would have been tempted to lie about our true identity to avoid being arrested, but Jesus was not afraid to boldly proclaim who He was. Evidently all of those present had a sense of awe and respect and they stepped back and fell to the ground in honor of the Messiah. I easily recognized the human greatness of Billy Graham, but how much more important it is to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, the One who came to save the world from its sins!
Challenge: Step back and fall to the ground in honor and praise of Jesus, the Son of God, who died on the cross for your sins so you might be forgiven and receive eternal life. Jesus deserves your honor and respect in everything you do.