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John-18

The Agony of Betrayal: A Devotional Study on John 18​

Introduction​

The final chapters of John's Gospel are heavy with emotion and tension as Jesus faces His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. John chapter 18, in particular, delves into the intense emotions Jesus experiences in the garden of Gethsemane as He faces His betrayal. Through this chapter, we can learn how to cope with betrayal, trust in God's sovereignty, and hold onto hope in the darkest of moments.

Section 1: Jesus Prays (John 18:1-11)​

Devotional Thought: As Jesus and His disciples enter the garden, the Scripture speaks of Jesus' deep emotional agony. He speaks of His soul being very troubled and asks that the Father would remove the cup of suffering from Him. How does Jesus cope in this moment of intense emotion? He leans on the Father, entrusting Himself into His hands. May we, too, lean heavily on the Father during times of crushing emotion and entrust ourselves into His care.

Reflection Questions:

  • How does Jesus' prayer in the garden reveal His humanity and dependence on the Father?
  • How can entrusting ourselves into the Father's hands ease the burden of our emotional pain?

Section 2: The Betrayal of Judas (John 18:12-14, 18:25-27)​

Devotional Thought: Judas, one of Jesus' own disciples, leads the army of soldiers to the garden to arrest Jesus. How does Jesus respond to His betrayal? He identifies Judas with a kiss, foreshadowing the twisted actions of those who turn against Him. May we learn to differentiate between friendship and fellowship, recognizing that sharing life together does not always guarantee loving alignment.

Reflection Questions:

  • How does Jesus' response to betrayal call us to carefully follow the fruit of friendships and completions?
  • In what ways do we need to learn the difference between friendship and fellowship?

Section 3: Peter's Denial (John 18:15-18, 18:25-27)​

Devotional Thought: Peter, once steadfast, denies Jesus three times in the space of a few hours. How does Jesus respond to Peter's denial? He makes a prediction of Peter's denial, knowing the failings of the human heart. May we learn to trust in Jesus' prophetic knowledge of our own faults and recognize that we, too, may easily fall prey to our own imperfections.

Reflection Questions:

  • How does Jesus' knowledge of our inner faults call us to humility and trust in His grace?

Section 4: Jesus is Tried, Condemned, and Sentenced (John 18:28-40)​

Devotional Thought: Jesus is brought before Annas, Caiaphas, and Pilate, facing accusations and eventual condemnation. Yet, through it all, Jesus remains filled with the knowledge of the Father's sovereignty. May we trust in God's control, knowing that even in the darkest moments, He is working out His perfect plan.

Reflection Questions:

  • How does Jesus' trust in the Father's sovereignty call us to trust in His control, especially during times of uncertainty?
  • How does trusting in Jesus' foreknowledge during uncertain times bring us deeper peace in the face of insecurity?

Conclusion:​

As we close our devotional study on John 18, let's be encouraged that Jesus, who faced the agony of betrayal, reveals His humanity, dependence on the Father, and trust in God's sovereignty. May we learn to lean on the Father during times of intense emotion, differentiate between friendship and fellowship, and trust in Jesus' prophetic knowledge during uncertain times. May we cultivate a deep worship of the One who was betrayed for our redemption.