When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. — John 18:1-3

So Jesus has finished his cycle of teaching and praying. And now we have some movement.

Judas, the betrayer who has been missing from the final teaching and prayer, has sold Jesus out and gathered a detachment of Roman soldiers and religious aristocracy who will make their move. This is the arrest of the Peaceful Preacher of Light in the darkness of the night. They are where the disciples commonly gathered, the Garden of Gethsemane.

Betrayal is something we all have to deal with in our lives. It usually catches us by surprise. Therefore, we feel unprepared, which can lead to responses and reactions that are not always godly.

But not Jesus. Jesus was not surprised. He knew the moment was upon him. Scripture foretold it. He predicted it. He even warned the other disciples about it. At the meal, he told a few who it was that was going to do it. Therefore, this was not an event orchestrated by Judas, carried out by the government, and led by the political-religious elite. Do not be mistaken. These occurrences did not surprise Jesus. They were events Jesus allowed to happen. This was a divine setup.

There are people listening today who are on the brink or in the middle of a betrayal. If this is you, and you are a believer in Jesus, then I want to encourage you to look at your situation again. Don't merely see the evil, maliciousness, and viciousness of others. Look again, not what man is doing, but what God is doing. Do not join in with their sin. Keep your heart from desiring retribution. Trust God's plan in the middle of your betrayal. Then, look past the sin, the betrayer, and the betrayal and see God's divine plan. And remember, no one can outwit and outplan the sovereignty of God. All sin and eternal death are defeated because the king is alive.

ASK THIS:

1. How does Jesus' response to betrayal in this passage serve as an example for us when we face betrayal in our own lives?
2. In what ways can we learn to trust God's divine plan even in the midst of betrayal and difficult circumstances, as Jesus did in this situation?

DO THIS: Look at your betrayal again.

PRAY THIS: Dear Lord, in moments of betrayal and adversity, help me to follow Jesus' example, trusting in Your divine plan and maintaining a heart free from bitterness or vengeance. Strengthen my faith, and remind me that Your sovereignty prevails over all circumstances.

PLAY THIS: Death is Defeated.