January 22, 2003
Reading: John 6:15-21

 

“It is I; do not be afraid” (20)

 

It is unfortunate that most of the scholars translating the scriptures from the original languages feel they have to be logical. In other words, if the true translation does not make sense to the average reader, they alter it slightly so it does make sense. A perfect example is found in our text above.

The circumstance where Jesus said these words is well known – the disciples were in a boat and were scared because the winds picked up and they were being tossed about like an empty coke can. Their fear is understandable – they were about to be drowned because their boat was about to capsize. Their fear was suddenly heightened when they saw what they assumed to be a ghost walking on the water. They may have thought they were in their death throes until Jesus spoke. Even if they believed their Master could walk on water, it was too much to ask that the howling winds and boisterous waves had no effect on Him.

The words Jesus spoke are of paramount importance. The Amplified Bible translates them, “It is I; be not afraid! (I AM; stop being frightened!)” A combination of words is used – ‘eimi’ (it is) and ‘ego’ (I). This is the same word combination used by Jesus when He said, “Before Abraham was, I AM” John 8:58, which identifies Him with the “I AM” of the Old Testament (Exod 3:14). The Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) has: ‘Egoo eimi ho Oon’, "I am He who exists," again using the same word combination. Was Jesus the Jehovah of the Old Testament? I believe so.

“This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations' Ex 3:15. How exciting to hear Jesus use this name in both His teaching and when He exercises His authority here on earth. Look up the wonderful “I AM” passages, for every time ‘ego imi’ is used. Jesus made His name relevant to us, “I am the Bread of Life” John 6:48; “I am the Light of the World” John 8:12, and so forth. Also, as in our text, He uses His name to evoke authority and power. When He spoke His name, the winds calmed and the waves became calm. When the soldiers came to arrest Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, the power of His name knocked them over (John 18:6). In Revelation ‘ego eimi’ gives power, authority and authenticity to the reality that Jesus is the “Alpha and Omega,’ the “first and the Last,” and the “Beginning and the End” Rev 1:8,17. Again, when calming John’s fears, Jesus says, “Do not be afraid; I am (‘ego eimi’) the First and the Last.” I wonder if John’s mind went back to when he heard Jesus use the same words to calm the sea?

We can take great solace knowing that He whose name is ‘ego eimi’ is our Savior and Master. When the winds and waves of trouble try to wreak havoc in our lives, look up because the Great “I AM” is there to bring calm. Whatever our need, He is able to meet it. “He is able to aid those who are tempted” Heb 2:18; “He is able to keep what I have committed to Him” 2 Tim 1:12 and “He is able even to subdue all things to Himself” Phil 3:21.

“I am the LORD, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another” Isa 42:8.

“All hail the power of Jesus’ Name! Let angels prostrate fall;

Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown Him Lord of all.”

W. Shrubbole