Jesus’ Betrayal by Judas

John 18:1–14
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After Jesus had finished His prayer, He took His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane (v. 1). This is located on the western slope of the Mount of Olives and across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem. In a garden, the first Adam brought sin and death to mankind; but Jesus, the last Adam brought righteousness and life to all who will trust Him, as He was obedient and went into the Garden of Gethsemane. He had taken His disciples there many times before to get away from the crowds. 

Soon Judas came with a large crowd (some have estimated six hundred soldiers) to arrest Jesus (vv. 2-3). Because Jesus was completely aware of Judas’ plan, He went out to meet them (vv. 4-6). It was at this point that Judas, in his act ofbetrayal, kissed the Lord (Matthew 26:49). The crowd was caught off guard by this unusual behavior of Jesus as He calmly faced them, identified Himself, and made no effort to escape. In this moment of personal crisis, He requested that they let the discip­les go free (vv. 7-9).

Peter, wanting to show his devotion to Christ, quickly drew out a sword and started to fight.  Jesus did not need Peter’s protection. He could have summoned legions of angels if it had been His desire to be delivered. Peter proceeded to cut off the ear of one of the servants (vv. 10-11). No doubt, he aimed for the head and got the ear. Peter should have known that Jesus would be arrested and that He would willingly surrender to His enemies (Matthew 16:21). Peter’s loyalty was touching, but it missed God’s plan. It is still true today that zeal without knowledge often leads men astray (Romans 10:2).  Jesus rebuked Peter and then deliberately gave Himself over to His enemies. They bound Jesus and led Him to the house of Annas (father-in-law of Caiaphas) for a sort of preliminary exam before going before Caiaphas, the high priest (vv. 12-14).

Application

It is so easy to misunderstand God’s plan in my life. The results of this misunderstanding can have tragic consequences. I need to constantly be on guard against misunderstanding God’s plan. I want to understand His plan for my life daily and not try to take things into my own hands. The only way I am going to understand his plan is to be seeking it every day in his word.