John 18:5
“They replied, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ ‘I am he,’ Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)”
John 18:5 Meaning
John 18:5 depicts the moment when Jesus willingly surrendered Himself to be arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. It also highlights the presence of Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed him.
John 18:5 Commentary and Explanation
Here, as Jesus stands before a group of people who had come to arrest Him, His response to their inquiry, “I am he,” carries immense theological depth and echoes the divine revelation from the Old Testament. When Jesus declares “I am,” He is identifying Himself with the sacred name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:14. This connection underscores His divine nature and authority, asserting that He is the very God incarnate.
This statement by Jesus also demonstrates His willingness to surrender Himself voluntarily, despite being in complete control of the situation. In Matthew 26:53, Jesus reminds us that He could have called upon His Father to send legions of angels for His defense, but instead, He submits to His Father’s plan of salvation.
The presence of Judas among those who came to arrest Jesus adds a layer of irony and sadness to this scene. Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, betrayed Him with a kiss (Matthew 26:48-49). Judas, who had been with the disciples and witnessed Jesus’ teachings and miracles, chose to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. This reminds us of the reality that even those closest to us might turn against us in our most challenging times. However, Jesus faced this betrayal with love and grace, showing us how to respond when faced with betrayal and injustice.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that this moment in John 18:5 is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ ultimate purpose for coming into the world. He willingly goes with those who seek to arrest Him, knowing that His arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection are part of God’s redemptive plan for humanity (Luke 24:25-27). It reminds us of His mission to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
John 18:5 encapsulates the profound theology and humility of Jesus. His divine declaration, “I am he,” asserts His identity as the God-Man, while His submission to arrest and betrayal exemplify His unwavering commitment to fulfilling God’s plan of salvation. This verse serves as a reminder of the depth of Christ’s love and sacrifice for us and calls us to reflect on our own response to His lordship in our lives.
Also Read: John 14:1-12 Meaning and Commentary
Context of John 18:5
John 18 is part of the narrative of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion. After praying fervently in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus encounters a group of soldiers, religious leaders, and officials sent by the High Priest to arrest Him. In this verse, Jesus discloses His identity as “Jesus of Nazareth” and willingly surrenders Himself.
Lessons From John 18:5
- Submission to God’s will: Jesus’ response to His arrest teaches us about obedient submission to God’s perfect plan. Despite the imminent suffering He would endure, Jesus willingly surrendered Himself in obedience to the Father’s will. We are encouraged to follow His example and surrender ourselves to God’s plan for our lives, even when it is difficult or requires sacrifice.
- Responding to betrayal with love: Jesus’ willingness to accept Judas’ betrayal with love and grace provides an example for us. When we face betrayal or hurt from others, we are called to respond with forgiveness and compassion, just as Jesus did.
- Embracing our divine identity: Jesus’ declaration of “I am he” reminds us of our own identity in Christ. As believers, we are children of God, called to reflect His love and character to the world. We can find confidence and strength in embracing our identity as followers of Christ.
Biblical Translations of John 18:5
John 18:5 King James Version (KJV)
“They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.”
John 18:5 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
“They answered Him, ‘Jesus the Nazarene.’ He *said to them, ‘I am He.’ And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them.”
John 18:5 English Standard Version (ESV)
“They answered him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am he.’ Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.”
John 18:5 New King James Version (NKJV)
“They answered Him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am He.’ And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them.”
John 18:5 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
“They answered him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ ‘I am he,’ Jesus told them. Judas, who betrayed him, was also standing with them.”
John 18:5 New Living Translation (NLT)
“They replied, ‘Jesus the Nazarene.’ ‘I am he,’ Jesus said. Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.”
Final Thoughts
John 18:5 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus’ earthly ministry, as He willingly surrenders Himself to be arrested. This verse teaches us about submission to God’s will, responding to betrayal with love, and embracing our divine identity. May we be inspired by Jesus’ example and strive to follow Him wholeheartedly, even in the face of adversity.