Take Courage, I AM, do not be afraid!

In Jesus' ministry to prepare the disciples for Pentecost, we see in our text one of the most glorious Christological gems found in the NT.

English versions translate Jesus' words, "take courage, it is I, do not be afraid."

tho' many commentators are hestitant to translate the Greek literally, we see that a robust Biblical theology also strenghtens Jesus' claim throughout the gospel narratives that He is indeed not only the Son of Man, but is YHWH, the great I AM who revealed Himself by this name to Moses and then Israel.

Here, He reveals Himself to the new Israel (the 12 disciples representing the 12 tribes) for the same purpose He did in the old covenant: to strengthen them for what awaited as the Kingdom of God was advanced in redemptive history.

If we get that Jesus is I AM, we have absolutely nothing to fear, something the early & heavily persecuted church needed desperately to hear!