Who Is in Control

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.” … 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. (John 18:4-6)

Jesus knew everything that was going to happen to him. Not just the next few minutes but the next three days. However, the next minutes are intriguing. When Jesus says, “I am” (Greek ego eimi), the same as in Exodus by which God identifies himself, the soldiers fall down. God is in control; Jesus is in control. It's a wonder that after saying it again, they didn't fall down again and again and again. And they would have except for what Jesus told Peter after he cut off Malchus's ear, “shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18:11).

Look also at the fact that even after Peter’s brazen act, the disciples were able to flee. That also shows who is in control to fulfill the word of God as John 18:9 says.

Application: trust that Jesus is I Am and know he is in control of all our circumstances. Rest in that, be comforted, be courageous, be obedient, be whatever is needed in the moment.