John 18:2 (NAS) says, "Now Judas, who was betraying Him, also knew
the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples."
Notice the statement, "Jesus had often met there". Here we have
a place that Jesus liked to visit with His disciples. It was a place of
fellowship and refuge. Yet, this is where He would be when He was
betrayed by Judas. Judas knew He would be there because of routine
or preference. It is painful to know that our Friend would be betrayed
in His preferred place of refuge on this wicked earth. I am glad that
His plan was fulfilled but Jesus was given no quarter on this earth
in all of His 33 1/2 years here. He was homeless, hungry, dependent,
and betrayed. But through it all He spoke of kindness, mercy, and
love.
the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples."
Notice the statement, "Jesus had often met there". Here we have
a place that Jesus liked to visit with His disciples. It was a place of
fellowship and refuge. Yet, this is where He would be when He was
betrayed by Judas. Judas knew He would be there because of routine
or preference. It is painful to know that our Friend would be betrayed
in His preferred place of refuge on this wicked earth. I am glad that
His plan was fulfilled but Jesus was given no quarter on this earth
in all of His 33 1/2 years here. He was homeless, hungry, dependent,
and betrayed. But through it all He spoke of kindness, mercy, and
love.