John 18: 1-11 "When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth... "  He was headed to the garden and then to a trial.. to a cross and a borrowed tomb.. and then, Hallelujah, to the Resurrection!  Every time we take this journey.. reading the old, old story.. remembering His death.. it thrills my heart that the cross is not the end of the story!  Thank God!

John doesn't linger on Gethsemane.  He doesn't record the prayer that Jesus prayed there.. or the fact that they all fell asleep.  He goes directly to the entrance of Judas with the Roman cohort and the officers of the chief priests who came with "lanterns and torches and weapons." 

"Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him went forth... "  He went forth.. to the garden.. He went forth to the armed crowd.. and He identified Himself to them.  "Whom do you seek?" He asked.  "Jesus the Nazarene. "  they answered.  "I am He." was the answer.. so powerful that they actually "drew back and fell to the ground." 

"I am He."  Makes me think of Saul on the road to Damascus.. when "suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground.. "  When Saul asked "Who art Thou..?"  The answer came, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting." ( Acts 9:3-5) 

We sing about the power of His Name.. "Jesus your Name is power".  But, do we really understand and believe this truth? 

Father in heaven, thank You for the One whose Name is above all names.. for Jesus Christ the Lord who "went forth"  knowing what was ahead... "who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." ( Hebrews 12:2) We have a mighty and blessed Savior and His Name is Wonderful!  Grant us understanding.. down in our hearts and fully in our minds.. of the power and greatness of the Name of Jesus. We bless His name!  We glorify His name! May all the earth rejoice in the Mighty Name of Jesus! Amen and amen.