Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle John. More specifically today’s passage is found in the eighteenth chapter of this New Testament book. “When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having receive a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him stood with them. As soon as then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: that the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Manchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheatH: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” (John 18:1-11). “Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, and let him away to Annas first; for he was the father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people” (John 18:12-14). “And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple away known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciples, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not. And the servants and officers stood there who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself” (John 18:15-18). “The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? Ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest” (John 18:19-24). “And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew” (John 18:25-27). “Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early: and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the Passover. Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die. Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the Passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber” (John 18:28-40). When you come to the eighteenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find Jesus’ time with the disciples in the upper room having drawn to a close. It would be in the thirteenth chapter of this gospel we find Jesus eating and celebrating the Passover meal together with His disciples on the night in which He was betrayed. It would be there in the upper room Jesus would lay aside His garments that He might take up the towel wherewith He would gird Himself as He would wash each of the disciples’ feet. There in the upper room the Lord Jesus would wash each of the disciples’ feet and declare unto them that unless He washed them they had no part with Him. What makes that particular statement so incredibly unique and astonishing when you take the time to think about it is that Judas was still present in the upper room when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. It would be in the upper room where Jesus would be grieved and anguished in His spirit as He would discern how one of them would indeed betray Him. What’s more is that not only did Jesus become grieved in His spirit knowing that one of them would betray Him but He would also declare unto the disciples.on this particular night that one of them would indeed betray Him. On this particular night Jesus would wash each of the disciples’ feet and would specifically declare unto Simon called Peter that unless He washed their feet they would have no part in Him. This takes on an entirely new meaning when you read the words presented in this passage and understand how Judas would have still been in the room at this time and would have had his feet washed by Jesus along with the other disciples. In the upper room as Jesus washed the disciples’ feet Judas would be among those whose feet Jesus would wash which is something I cannot wrap my head around knowing that Judas would indeed betray Jesus into the hands of the chief priests, the scribes and the elders of the people. Judas would indeed be that disciple who would betray the person of the Lord Jesus into the hands of His enemies for thirty pieces of silver. I sit here today thinking about and considering this particular reality and I am absolutely struck and captivated with the tremendous truth that not only would Jesus wash the feet of the disciples but He would also declare unto them that unless He washed their feet and washed them they had no part with Him. Simon Peter would declare unto the Lord in response to this that He should don’t only wash his feet but also his head and his hands. Jesus would respond to this by declaring that he that is washed does not need to wash save his feet but is clean every whit. What’s more is Jesus would go on to declare that they were clean although not all of them were indeed clean. The apostle John would go on to declare how Jesus knew who should betray Him and therefore He made the statement that they were not all clean. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for on this particular night Jesus would indeed wash the feet of His disciples and would declare that unless He washed them they would have no part with Him. With this being said, however, Jesus would not only declare that not all of them were clean but would also go on to declare that one from among them should betray Him. When Simon Peter beckoned to the one who was leaning on Jesus’ bosom who it was that should betray Him Jesus would declare that it would be he with whom he had give the sop after he had dipped it. Jesus would then give the sop unto Judas and it would be at this particular moment when Jesus would give the sop to Judas and Satan would enter into him. Jesus undoubtedly discerned that Satan had indeed entered into Judas and would declare unto him that what he did he ought to do quickly. I am convinced that in order to truly understand the words which are found in the eighteenth chapter of this gospel narrative written by the apostle John there is a great need to consider the words which are found in this thirteenth chapter. The words and language we find in this particular passage of Scripture not only help us to understand Jesus’ washing the feet of His disciples but also helps us to understand the exchange Jesus would have at the table there in the upper room concerning he who it was who would betray Him. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it is for it help us to truly understand the tremendous truth surrounding that which happened on this particular night. Jesus would indeed wash the feet of the disciples on the night in which He was betrayed and would even wash the feet of that one who would betray Him. Pause for a moment and consider just how incredible this truly is when you take the time to consider it for on the night in which Jesus would betrayed—knowing who it was who betray Him and that His betrayed was at the table together with Him—Jesus would still proceed to wash the feet of His betrayer. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of when you take the time to consider it for it begs the question of whether or not we would wash the feet of that one who would betray us. Would we indeed wash the feet of that one who would betray us knowing that they would indeed betray us? Moreover would we wash the feet of that one who would betray us knowing those things which would indeed befall and come upon us as Jesus did? It was Jesus who declared unto the disciples that if He then being their Lord and Master had washed their feet they also to wash one another’s feet. Important to note concerning this is that washing one another’s feet doesn’t merely mean washing the feet of those who are our neighbor or those who will do good unto us but perhaps even those who would betray us, those who would wrong us, those who would sin against us, those who would trespass against us, those who would curse us and those who would indeed inflict damage, wounds, scars and bruises upon us. OH it is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the thirteenth chapter of the gospel narrative written by the apostle John beginning to read with and from the first and opening verse. It is in this particular chapter where we not only read of Jesus’ laying aside His garments and taking up the towel as He washed the feet of the disciples but also as he taught the disciples the lesson intended to be learned as a direct result of washing their feet. Moreover it would be on this same night Jesus would proceed to declare unto His disciples that not all of them were clean and that one from among them would betray Him. Moreover Jesus would also give the disciples a clue as to who it was that should betray Him when He declared that it would be He whom He would give the sop after He had dipped it. With this in mind I ask you to now consider the following words found in this passage of Scripture beginning to read with and from the first verse: “Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poured water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needs the not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean” (John 13:1-11). It would be in the first eleven verses of this chapter we find Jesus laying aside His garments and taking up the towel as He would fill a bason which He would use to wash the feet of the disciples. When Jesus came unto Simon Peter to wash His feet Simon would proceed to ask Him if He would indeed wash his feet. Jesus would declare unto Simon that what He did he would not know at that particular moment but would indeed know in the coming days. Simon Peter would declare unto the Lord Jesus that he would never wash his feet—perhaps because Simon Peter knew that the washing of the feet was the work of a servant and not that of Jesus whom he believed and declared to be the Christ and the Son of the living God. Jesus would declare unto Simon that if He did not wash him he had no part with him—words which would prompt Simon Peter to declare unto Jesus that He ought to not only wash his feet but also his hands and his head. It would be in response to this Jesus would declare unto him that he who is washed needs not to wash save his feet but is clean every whit. Moreover Jesus would go on to declare unto him that they were clean but not all. This Jesus said because He knew who should betray Him and would declare such words unto the disciples on this particular night as He was washing the feet of the disciples. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in this chapter beginning with the twelfth verse: “So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well: for so I am. If I then your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you> Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord: neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me” (John 13:12-20). Please pay close attention to the words which are presented in this passage of Scripture for within them we find Jesus putting aside the towel wherewith He had girded Himself and taking up those garments which He had laid aside. Having taken up the garments He had laid aside once more Jesus would then ask the disciples what He had done for and unto them. Jesus would then go on to declare how they called Him Master and Lord and they say well for so He indeed was. If He then was their Lord and Master and have washed their feet they also ought to wash one another’s feet. Not only this but Jesus would also go on to declare that He had given them an example that they should do as He had done unto them for the servant was not greater than his lord neither he that was sent greater than he that sent him. Jesus would then go on to declare unto the disciples that if they knew these things they would be happy if they did them. What’s more is that it would be at this particular juncture where Jesus would continue to allude to the one who would betray Him. Jesus would declare unto the disciples that He spoke not of them all for He knew whom He had chosen and that the Scripture might be fulfilled. The scripture which the Lord Jesus spoke of would be one which would prophesy of the betrayal that would come by one who ate bread at the table together with Him. Jesus would declare unto the disciples that he which ate bread with him had lifted up his heel against him, thus providing unto them another reference concerning that one who would betray Him. If you continue reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find that Jesus would be troubled in his spirit and would go on to testify unto the disciples that one of them would betray Him. ON this particular night the Lord Jesus would emphatically declare unto the disciples once more that one from among them would indeed betray Him. Having already declared unto them that not all of them were clean and having spoken unto them of the Scripture which revealed that the one who ate bread with Him had lifted up his heel against Him Jesus would now come right out and declare unto the disciples that one from among their own number would indeed betray Him. Upon beginning to read with and from the twenty-first verse of this passage ofd Scripture we find Jesus declaring unto the disciples that one from among them would betray Him and would even provide them with a clue who it was who would betray Him. Having said this I now invite you to consider the following words which are found in this particular passage of Scripture beginning to read with and from the twenty-first verse: “When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, he it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night” (John 13:21-30). I am absolutely convinced we must needs recognize and understand the words and language found in these verses for within them we encounter and come face to face with the incredibly awesome and powerful truth surrounding the night in which Jesus would be betrayed and the language He would use among the disciples. While washing the feet of the disciples and while still girded with the towel Jesus would declare unto Simon Peter that they were clean, however, not all of them were clean. It would be the apostle John who would declare that Jesus spoke these words knowing who it was who should betray Him and therefore said He such. After Jesus had put aside the towel and taken up His garments once more He would then proceed to ask the disciples if they understood what He did unto them. Jesus would declare unto them that if He being their Lord and Master washed their feet so also ought they to wash the feet of each other. With this being said Jesus would go on to declare unto them of the Scripture which described and declared that he who ate bread with Him at the table would lift up their heel against Him. This would be the second declaration and reference Jesus would make unto the disciples on this particular night concerning that one who would indeed betray Him before actually giving the greatest clue that one from among them who would betray Him. It would be after speaking these words Jesus would be troubled in spirit and would testify unto them that one of them would betray Him. The disciples each looked upon each other doubting of whom He spoke and Simon called Peter would beckon unto the disciple leading upon Jesus’ bosom who it was that would betray Him. Jesus would declare that it would be he with whom He had given the sop after He had dipped it. Jesus would then give the sop unto Judas and it would be after receiving the sop Satan would enter Judas and he would depart from the upper room and from the company and fellowship of the disciples and of Jesus the Christ. It is with all of this in mind I invite you to consider the following words found within the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew, the words which the apostle Paul wrote unto the Roman saints as well as the words which the apostle Paul wrote in the first epistle written unto the Corinthian saints. There is something to be said about the Lord Jesus Christ washing the feet of Judas knowing that Judas would indeed betray Him on that particular night. Moreover Jesus declared unto Simon that unless He washed him he would have no part in him. This begs the question of whether or not Jesus’ washing the feet of Judas was indeed an extension of mercy unto him for washing his feet would indeed be an invitation to find a place in Him. We know that the Scripture must needs be fulfilled and that Jesus would indeed be betrayed—and not only be betrayed but also be betrayed by one of His own. On this particular night Jesus would wash the feet of the disciples—and not only wash the feet of the disciples but wash the feet of Judas who would be that one who would betray Him. What makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to consider it is when you read Jesus’ words how He being their Lord and Master washed their feet as an example unto them that they ought to wash the feet of others. With this being said I can’t help but wonder if the disciples knew in the coming days after Jesus had suffered in the flesh, after Jesus had died and been buried in the earth, after Jesus had been raised from the grave, after Jesus had ascended unto the right hand of the Father and after the Holy Spirit had come that washing the feet of others not only meant washing the feet of their neighbor and those who did right by them but also those who would betray them. Is it possible that the disciples would indeed know and understand that washing the feet of others would mean washing the feet of their enemies as well as their neighbors and those who would do well unto them. Oh it is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words found in these various passages of Scripture beginning with the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:10-16). “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: but I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away” (Matthew 5:38-42). “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say not you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sense that rain on the dust and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:43-48). “Let love be without dissimulation. Ashore that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherlove love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you; bless and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:9-21). “Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? No, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? Why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. Know ye not that the unrighteousness shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, not covetous, nor drunkards, nor revivers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:1-11). It is absolutely necessary that we recognize and understand the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for they do in fact call and draw our attention to the absolutely wonderful and incredible truth surrounding the possibility of suffering wrong at the hands of someone else. Within these passages we encounter the tremendous invitation to pray for those who persecute us, to bless those who curse us, and to do good unto those who revile us. What’s more is that it would be within this passage of Scripture we are instructed to recompense and reward no man evil for evil but rather to provide those things which were honest in the sight of all men. Not only this but here in these passages we are instructed to not avenge ourselves but give place unto wrath knowing that vengeance belongs to the Lord. The apostle Paul would admonish the Roman saints that if their enemy did hunger they were to feed them and if they hit rest they were to give them to drink for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on their head. It would be when writing unto the Corinthian saints the apostle Paul would ask them why they would not rather take wrong and why would not rather suffer themselves to be defrauded rather than taking their brother and/or sister to court—and that unto and among the unbelievers and those who were of the world. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for we must remember the words Jesus declared unto Simon Peter when he asked how often he should forgive his brother and then said up to seven times which is what the law required. Jesus would declare unto Simon that he ought to not merely forgive his brother up to seven times but up to seventy times seven. It would Jesus who would instruct the disciples to love their enemies beyond simply loving their neighbour as themselves. All of this must be carefully considered when you come to the eighteenth chapter of this gospel for it is here where we actually encounter the manifestation of the betrayal of Judas. That which Judas had conspired against Jesus together with the chief priests and the scribes for thirty pieces of silver would now be manifested together in the midst of a garden. The eighteenth chapter begins with Jesus concluding the words He had spoken unto the disciples and those words which He spoke and prayed unto His Father which was in heaven. After Jesus had spoken these words He went forth with His disciples over the brook Cedron (Kidron) where there was a garden and entered together with the disciples. What the apostle John writes in addition to this is that Judas who was one of the twelve knew of this place for Jesus oftentimes resorted unto it together with His disciples. What I find truly intriguing about this when you take the time to think about it is that Jesus knew all things that should come upon Him. With this being said Jesus would not only pass over the brook Kidron but would also enter into this garden—entering into this place which Judas who was numbered among them was aware of. There is not a doubt in my mind that Jesus deliberately and intentionally entered into this garden of Gethsemane knowing those things which would befall Him there in the midst of the garden. What’s more is that Jesus would enter into this garden knowing that Judas who would betray Him knew of the place as well having perhaps been present in the garden together with Jesus and the other disciples. The question I can’t help but ask is how Judas knew that Jesus and His disciples would be present in the midst of the garden. Scripture reveals that Judas knew of that place which was present in the midst of the garden, however, Scripture doesn’t reveal that Judas knew definitively that Jesus would indeed be present in the midst of the garden together with His disciples. Is it possible that Judas lie in wait for Jesus and His disciples looking for means to betray Him into the hands of the chief priests and scribes absent the multitude? Scripture reveals how Judas would lead a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees who came into the garden with. Lanterns and torches and weapons. Oh there is a part of me that can’t help but wonder if Judas deliberately and intentionally lie in wait for Jesus and His disciples there in the midst of the garden knowing that it was a quiet, personal and intimate place which Jesus would oftentimes take the disciples apart from the crowd. What makes Judas’ betrayal so incredibly captivating when you take the time to think about it is that he would not only do it in a place of intimacy, quietness, fellowship and communion but would also do it in a place that was absent of the crowd and multitude. Undoubtedly Judas would be aware of those quiet and intimate places which Jesus and His disciples would oftentimes resort unto having oftentimes entered into them together with Jesus and the other eleven disciples. Scripture reveals how Judas knew of this place and of this garden which Jesus and His disciples had entered for Jesus oftentimes resorted unto it together with His disciples. Oh this actually begs the question of how many times Judas had entered into this garden together with Jesus as He taught them and as He brought them apart to rest in the quietness and solitude away from the crowd and the multitude. How many times had Judas entered into this garden together with Jesus and the other disciples to experience a time of rest, a time of fellowship, a time of prayer, a time of reflection, a time of teaching, a time of communion with the Father? How many times had Judas entered into this garden together with His disciples and heard Jesus pray unto His Father which was in heaven? The apostle John makes it perfectly clear that Judas knew of this place for Jesus had oftentimes resorted unto it with His disciples. Oh how absolutely incredible it is to think about the fact that Judas would lead a band of men and officers into this place—not in fellowship, communion and intimacy but rather to seize and lay hold of the person of the Lord Jesus. As you read the words presented in this passage of Scripture you will find that Judas would be well aware of this place which Jesus had led and would lead His disciples knowing that Jesus oftentimes resorted unto it together with His disciples. This is truly challenging when you take the time to consider that Judas had undoubtedly been to this garden together with Jesus and His disciples for times of quietness, for times of prayer, for times of refreshing and even for times of intimacy with the Father which was in heaven. I can’t help but wonder how many times Judas had entered into this garden together with Jesus and the other disciples and how many times He had witnessed Jesus pray unto His Father which was in heaven. The apostle John makes it very clear that Judas was indeed well aware of this place for he himself had perhaps been unto it numerous times together with the disciples and Jesus Himself. This is truly intriguing when you consider the fact that Judas would indeed lead a band of men and officers into a place where he himself had previously experienced and enjoyed fellowship together with Jesus and the other disciples. While it was indeed true that Judas would indeed lead a band of men and officers armed with weapons, torches and lanterns it was also true that he had spent a considerable amount of time in that place together with Jesus and His disciples. Oh there is a part of me that can’t help but wonder how many times Judas had indeed entered into that place together with Jesus and His disciples as Jesus would pray before and unto His Father which was in heaven. How many times had Judas entered into this place led by Jesus together with the other disciples as they would come apart and away from the crowd and multitude which they were regularly surrounded by? On this particular night, however, Judas would not enter the garden together with Jesus and the other disciples but would enter it leading his own band of insurgents and insurrectionists that Jesus that they might lay hold of and seize Him. ON this particular night Judas would enter the garden independent of Jesus and His disciples and would lead his own small army against Jesus as though He were a common thief and criminal. Oh with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the previous three gospels concerning Jesus’ time with the disciples in the garden on this particular night, as well as Jesus’ time with the Father and the events which would take place there in the midst of the garden: “And when they had sung an human, they went out into the mount of Olives. Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise said all the disciples. Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: neverhtless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away a wagon, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then cometh he to his disciples and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. THinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled” (Matthew 26:30-56). “And when they had sung an human, they went out into the mount of Olives. And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. And Jesus with unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I I shall pray. And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; and saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible the hour might pass from him. And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: neverhtless not what I will, but what thou wilt. And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepiest thou? Couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. And they laid their hands on him, and took him. And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priests, and cut off his ear. And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me? I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled. And they all forsook him and fled. And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: and he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked” (Mark 14:26-52). “And he came out, and went, as he was wrong, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down and prayed, saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, and said unto them, Why sleep ye? Rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before him, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. Then Jesus said unto the chief priests and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness” (Luke 22:39-53). Each of the gospel authors provides a description of the events which took place on the night in which the Lord Jesus was betrayed—despite the fact that the apostle John would not include any mention of Jesus praying unto the Father there in the midst of the garden. The apostle JOhn would indeed describe how when Jesus had finished speaking all those words which we find in chapters thirteen through seventeen He would take His disciples and would pass over the brook Cedron where there was a garden into which He entered together with His disciples. The apostle John goes on to write how Judas which betrayed Him knew of the place for Jesus had oftentimes restored unto it together with His disciples. On this particular night after Judas departed from the upper room where Jesus and His disciples were he would lead a band of men armed with swords and staves and with torches and lanterns. Judas would lead this band of men and officers armed with weapons into the place of intimacy, fellowship, quietness and rest where Jesus had oftentimes brought His disciples during those three and a half years they had walked with and followed Him. Judas would lead his own band of men into the garden on this particular night after Satan had not only put it in his heart to betray Jesus but also had entered him after he had taken the sop from the hand of the Lord Jesus in the upper room there at the table. Judas would depart from the upper room returning unto the chief priests, scribes and elders and arranging together with them to have a band of men accompany him whom he would personally lead into the garden where they would lay hold of the person of the Lord Jesus. Judas—that one who had covenanted together with the chief priests and scribes for thirty pieces of silver—would lead a band of men who were armed with weapons, torches and lanterns against the person of the Lord Jesus Christ as he would indeed betray Him into the hands of those who vehemently opposed and hated Him. The apostle John writes how Jesus therefore knew all those things which would come upon him and would go forth and speak directly unto those who would come unto him asking them who they sought. Upon hearing the words which Jesus asked those who came together with Judas would declare how they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth—words which Jesus would respond by declaring, “I am He.” The apostle goes on to write how Judas stood by together with this band of men who were armed with weapons, torches and lanterns. Judas would not only lead them into the garden and show them where the person of the Lord Jesus was but would also remain and abide with them as the events of that evening unfolded. What’s more is that not only would Judas stand by with them but Judas would also give them a pledge and a sign concerning that one whom they ought to take—namely that the one whom he kissed would be the one whom they ought to take. The apostle Matthew, John Mark and the beloved physician Luke all recorded and spoke of this sign that was given by Judas unto those whom he would lead into the garden against Jesus to betray Him. The apostle John doesn’t include this mention of the kiss in which Judas would betray the person of the Lord Jesus but would indeed include additional dialogue which would take place between Jesus and those who would come out against Him. Jesus would ask those whom Judas had led into the garden whom they were seeking and when they responded by declaring they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth He would declare that He was indeed Jesus of Nazareth whom they sought. Moreover the apostle John goes on to write that when Jesus had spoken these words they went backward and fell to the ground—perhaps struck by the tremendous authority which surrounded the words and voice of the Lord Jesus as He had spoken directly unto them. It is in the eighteenth chapter of this gospel narrative we encounter the tremendous truth surrounding the night in which the Lord Jesus would be betrayed—and not only the night in which He would be betrayed but also the events which would take place as a direct result of that betrayal. Judas would indeed lead a band of men armed with torches, lanterns and weapons into the garden with a token and pledge that whosoever he kissed would be the one whom they should seize and lay hold of. The apostle John doesn’t describe this kiss which Judas would betray Jesus with, however, the apostle does indeed describe Jesus asked those who came unto Him asking who it was they were seeking after. The men who accompanied Judas into the garden responded declaring that they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth and when Jesus responded declaring “I am he” they all went backward and fell to the ground. Having undoubtedly regrouped and stood once more upon their feet Jesus would ask the band of men whom Judas escorted into the garden whom it was they were seeking. Jesus would respond unto them declaring that He told them that He was the one whom they were seeking and if it was He they were looking for then let those who were present with Him to go their way. The sole purpose for these words which were spoken by the person of the Lord Jesus Christ was that the Scripture might be fulfilled saying, “Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.” Jesus instructed those who were present with Judas there in the midst of the garden to let the men who were with Him depart in peace knowing that it was He whom they were searching for. There in the midst of the garden of Gethsemane after Jesus had prayed before and unto His Father who was in heaven Judas would enter in together with a band of men armed with weapons, torches and lanterns having accompanied Judas who agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. We must needs recognize and understand the words presented in this passage of Scripture for within it we not only encounter the tremendous truth surrounding the betrayal of Jesus in the garden by one of His own but we also discover the initial response of Simon called Peter there in the midst of the garden. The apostle John together with the other gospel authors writes and records how Simon called Peter would draw his sword and smite the ear of a servant of the high priest whose name we learn was Malchus. It would be there in the garden where Jesus would not only command Simon to put the sword down but would also declare unto Him that He had the power and authority to pray unto His Father that He dispatch twelve legions of angels who would immediately come to His aid and defense. Jesus knew that His Father could dispatch twelve legions of angels to defend Him from those who would come against Him with swords and staves and yet on this particular night—not only would Jesus hold back the legions of angels who perhaps stood at the edge of heaven in awe of what would take place in the garden but also instructing Simon to put away the sword in his sheath. Here in the garden the Lord Jesus would accomplish two distinct realities—both of which we must needs recognize and acknowledge. It’s one thing to read the words found in this passage of Scripture and consider how Jesus would command Simon to put the sword back in its sheath and declare that those who lived by the sword would indeed die by the sword. It would be something else entirely different altogether to hold and keep the angels in heaven at bay and restrict them from coming to the rescue, the defense and the aid of Jesus there in the midst of the garden. On this particular night the Lord Jesus would command swords to be put down and angels to remain in their place for He knew that the hour had come for Him to suffer in the flesh and ultimately to be put to death. Jesus knew all things that would befall Him and knew that He would be betrayed by one of His own. What’s more is that the apostle John writes that Jesus—knowing those things which would befall Him—would go forth unto those who would indeed seek to seize and lay hold of Him. Jesus never cowered in fear, never hid, never concealed Himself, never sought to keep Himself from being discovered by those who had entered into the garden accompanying Judas but instead deliberately went forth to meet those who would come against Him. LETTING YOUR BETRAYER GET CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS YOU! GOING FORTH TO MEET THOSE WHO WOULD SEIZE YOU! Oh there is something incredibly unique and powerful about the words and language we find in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth that not only did Jesus know that He would be betrayed by one of His own but He would even allow that one who would betray Him to get close enough to kiss Him. Pause for a moment and consider what this scene would and could have looked like as Jesus deliberately and intentionally allowed Judas to come close enough to betray Him with a kiss. Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him and if most of us were in that particular place we would keep such a one at a safe distance from us and not having any access unto us. What we find here, however, is Jesus deliberately and intentionally allowing Judas to come close enough unto Him that he might betray Him with a kiss. Stop and consider what it would have been like to allow that one who was betraying you to come close enough to actually betray you with a kiss. What’s more is that one of the gospel authors even writes how Jesus addressed and spoke unto Judas calling him “Friend.” How absolutely incredible it truly is when you read the words found in this passage of Scripture and consider the fact that Jesus not only went forth to meet those who would come against Him but He would also allow that one who would betray Him to get close enough to Him to betray Him with a kiss. This is something we must needs recognize for those who are able to truly betray us the greatest are those who are allowed to be the closest to us in terms of relationship. On the one hand we must needs recognize and understand that Jesus wasn’t betrayed by an enemy but was betrayed by one who was one of His own disciples. It would have been one thing for Jesus to be betrayed by one of the Pharisees, or one of the scribes, or one of the chief priests and the like, however, it would have been something else entirely and altogether for Jesus to be betrayed by one of His own. There is something we must needs acknowledge when reading the words found in this passage for it not only speaks of closeness in terms of relationship but also proximity in terms of distance. Jesus was not only betrayed by one who walked with and fellowshipped with Him but He was also betrayed by one whom He would allow to come and get close enough to betray Him with a kiss. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the incredible truth surrounding just how close enough Judas was to Jesus—not only to betray Him in the first place but also to betray Him with a kiss. Oh within the Scripture there were indeed two distinct elements to Judas’ betrayal—two distinct elements we must pay close attention to. ON the one hand there was the element of the betrayal itself which involved Judas covenanting with the chief priests and scribes to betray Jesus into their hands for thirty pieces of silver. On the one hand there was the element of betrayal in and of itself as Judas would lead a band of men into the garden and into that place where the Lord Jesus was together with His disciples. Judas would indeed covenant together with the chief priests and scribes to betray Jesus into their hands and would indeed conspire together with the chief priests and scribes to lead men into the garden against Jesus armed with torches, lanterns and weapons as though they were coming out against a thief and a criminal. This is something we must needs acknowledge for on the other hand there was the element of allowing the betrayer to get close enough—even knowing that he was going to betray you—to betray you with a kiss. Jesus didn’t merely know that Judas would betray Him but He would even allow Him to get close to Him to betray Him with a kiss. Oh we must needs recognize and pay close attention to this for when we think about the betrayal of the Lord Jesus we must needs come to terms with the betrayal itself as well as Jesus deliberately and intentionally allowing Judas to get close enough to betray Him with a kiss. What a truly astonishing and captivating truth this is when you take the time to think about it for Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him and even knew all those things which would befall and come upon Him. Jesus knew all those things which would befall and come upon Him and yet He would still go forth to meet those who would come out against Him. I sit here today thinking about and considering the incredible truth of what is found within these verses in the eighteenth chapter and I am struck with the fact that Jesus not only went forth to meet those who would come against Him but would also allow Judas who stood by with them to come close enough to betray Him with a kiss. Having already washed the feet of Judas and been close enough in the form of a servant Jesus would now be close enough to Judas as an enemy and adversary whom he would betray with a kiss. There in the midst of the garden Judas would be permitted to draw close enough to the person of the Lord Jesus to betray Him with a kiss and Jesus did absolutely nothing to keep it from happening. What’s more is Jesus did absolutely nothing to keep the soldiers and men who were escorted into the garden together with Judas from laying hands on Him and leading Him away. Moreover Jesus would command Simon Peter to put down the sword which he had used to strike off the ear of one of the servants of the high priest. As if this weren’t enough the Lord Jesus would also declare unto His disciples that He had the power and the authority to ask the Father to dispatch twelve legions of angels who would immediately to come His defense and rescue. On this particular night Jesus knew all those things which would befall and come upon Him and instead of trying to conceal and hide himself from experiencing it He would face it head on. Jesus would indeed go forth to meet His betrayer—and not only to meet His betrayer but also to meet those who would lay hands upon Him and lead Him away unto the chief priests, the scribes and the religious leaders and council of that day. There is something truly captivating about the words and language found in this passage of Scripture for Jesus would face His betrayer—and not only His betrayer but also His captors—head on without hiding, without hesitating, without fear, without reservation and with full confidence, trust, assurance and boldness. I am absolutely convinced that what enabled Jesus to be able to allow His betrayer to get close enough to betray Him with a kiss and what enabled Him to go forth to meet those who would seize and lay hold of Him was not only knowing that it was this purpose He must suffer in the flesh and die but also because of what He had resolved in the presence of the Father there in the midst of the garden. It would be there in the same garden where His betrayer would get close enough to kiss Him and where Jesus would go forth to meet those who would seize and lay hold of Him that He would resolve before the Father that it would not be His will but the will of the Father that would be done. Jesus knew that He would not be saved from this hour but that it was for this hour He was born and sent forth into the world. Jesus knew that God so loved the world that He would send and give His only begotten Son that whosoever would believe on Him should not perish but have everlasting life. OH what a truly wonderful and beautiful truth it is when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture and consider how on this particular night Jesus would command swords to be put down, would hold back legions of angels in heaven, would allow His betrayer to get close enough to kiss Him and would even go forth and meet those who would seize and lay hold of him. Oh there is something truly captivating when you consider the words presented in this passage of Scripture for Jesus would indeed resolve Himself to the will of the Father long before He ever committed His spirit into His hands. Jesus would indeed resolve Himself to the divine will of the Father there in the midst of the garden and when He went forth to meet His betrayer and His would be captors in the midst of it He would be fully and completely resolved unto the divine will of the Father knowing all things that would indeed befall and come upon Him. Jesus would not cower in fear nor would He hide Himself in the midst of the trees of the garden but would go forth with full assurance, confidence, trust, quietness, rest and resolve within His heart and soul. As I bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for within it we find a powerful description of Jesus being betrayed by one of His own—and not only being betrayed by one of His own but also allowing that one who would betray Him to get close enough to betray Him with a kiss. Jesus never sought to defend Himself, never sought to confront His captors with force or violence and even when one of His own disciples drew their sword and struck off the ear of one of the servants of the high priest He not only commanded the sword to be put back in its sheath but healed the damage His disciple had done. Oh there is something truly captivating about this for even in the midst of being betrayed by one of His own and even in the midst of men coming out against him with swords, weapons, torches and lanterns he would still heal the damage one of His own disciples had done. There in the midst of the garden the Lord Jesus would indeed heal the damage which one of His disciples would inflict there in the midst of the garden. Simon Peter thought by drawing the sword and using it there in the garden he was defending Jesus and showing His allegiance and resolve to never abandon, forsake or deny Him and yet there in the midst of the garden Jesus would not only command the sword be put away but would even heal the damage which His disciple had indeed afflicted. How absolutely wonderful it is to read the words found in this passage and see how Jesus would firmly resolve Himself to the divine will of the Father and would fully commit Himself to that will knowing that His hour had come and that it was for that purpose He had indeed come into the world. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it brings us face to face with this reality within our own lives and whether or not we are willing to resolve ourselves to the will of the Father—despite the fact that will might very well lead to and mean our suffering in the flesh and walking through persecution, affliction, suffering, trials, tribulation and troubles. We as the saints of God and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ must needs be those who are firmly resolved to commit ourselves to the divine will of the Father regardless of what that requires of us and what we must needs walk through in order to fulfill that divine will.