Grant Fishbook, Lead Teaching Pastor
John 18:1-8
When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he.”
Jesus says:
I am, the Alpha and the Omega, the first and last, the beginning and the end.
Three Escalating Declarations of the Identity of Jesus from Revelation
“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” – Revelation 1:8
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.” – Revelation 21:6
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” – Revelation 22:13
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In Genesis = I am the
In John = all that I said I was in my own words
In Revelation = I am the !
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If God is your beginning and your end, where do you find him in the middle?
Jesus is the of all my .
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The unchanging nature of Jesus = comfort
The unlimited majesty of Jesus = worship
The ultimate authority of Jesus = peace
The unrivaled plan of Jesus = joy and purpose
Philippians 1:6
…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Small Group Questions
- What do you do on a rainy day? How about a sunny one?
- Have you ever been knocked backwards off your feet? What happened?
- Read John 18:1-8 out loud. How would you describe the power that came from Jesus in that moment? Why do believe God planned this moment?
- How has Jesus been your Alpha and Omega, your First and Last, your Beginning and End?
- Starting today, what needs to change about your “dash”?
- How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?