Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 18:4-5

"Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon him, went forth, and saith unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am [he]. And Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them." — John 18:4-5 (ASV)

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon him, went out, and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” (John 18:4–5)

Or, “I am.” It is remarkable that Jesus, in his betrayal, twice used this expression, thus uttering the very name of Jehovah.

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon Him, went forth, and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" They answered Him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." And Judas also, who betrayed Him, stood with them.

Notice, dear friends, that the word "he" is in italics, showing that it is not in the original. Our Lord here twice used the name of Jehovah, I AM—as He did on certain other memorable occasions.

It was most fitting that, as He was going out to die, He should declare that it was no mere man who was about to suffer on the cross, but that, while He was truly man, He was also "very God of very God."