BETRAYED!:
John 18:3-9 NKJV
[3] Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. [4] Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” [5] They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. [6] Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. [7] Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” [8] Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” [9] that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”
Jesus was betrayed by one of His own disciples, His treasurer, Judas Iscariot! How can a man who did no harm to anybody, but did good to multitudes be betrayed? Why did God allow such a thing to happen? So that what is written about Him, God’s will and plan for salvation, would be fulfilled.
Friends, we must be careful not to become tools, Trojan horses, in the hands of the enemy. The enemy knows he cannot attack us from far and win, so he works against us through those close to us. God’s church and work is not progressing as it should because the enemy has influenced its members to oppose, speak against everything it aims to do, agents who refuse to contribute their share to enable it to make progress. Whose side are you on?
Beloved, God is not like man. While one from amongst those He is working to save, was planning to destroy His work, He remained faithful to those who stood faithfully by Him. When Jesus was arrested, He ensured that the rest of His disciples went free, so that God’s word would be fulfilled. Jesus never lost any of those given to Him! He will never forsake you. He will never allow circumstances to overcome you. He has fought your battles for you and declared you more than a conqueror, so that His promise would be fulfilled.
Jesus could have easily defeated the soldiers with only His words, but He gave in to them, laid down His life, so that God’s will would be done. History now testifies that God never loses, even if it appears He has! God will make all things work together for your good if you will have faith in Him and live according to His plans. This is His promise to His Children:
Romans 8:28 NKJV
[28] And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.