Was It a Trap or a Divine Set Up?

John 18 : 1 – 6, When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, "Whom are you seeking?" They answered Him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am He." And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, "I am He," they drew back and fell to the ground. NKJV

Paul gives us some insights into what happened the night that Jesus was betrayed. In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul tells us that if the rulers of this age had known what they were doing, they wouldn’t have crucified the Lord of glory.  Having stated this truth, let’s dig into today’s word.

When you read the verses from the gospel of John, it seems as though Jesus is walking into a trap of Satan. Isn’t it interesting that Judas knew where Jesus would be at that late hour? He knew this because Jesus had taken both, him and the other disciples with Him many times before. However, this night was different because Judas wasn’t walking with Jesus; he was leading the soldiers to capture Jesus while He was in the garden praying. 

We know that Satan filled Judas’ heart and used him to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver; this is made known to us when Jesus was eating the Last Supper with His disciples before they entered the garden. Satan was certain that he had Jesus trapped, and that he would bring an end to His earthly ministry. 

What Satan didn’t realize is that Jesus was instructed by His heavenly Father as to what He was to do that night and was told what Satan was planning through the greed of Judas. Therefore, Jesus didn’t walk into a trap as Satan would have people to believe; instead, Jesus was simply obeying the Father’s will that night. John goes on to tell us that Jesus knew what was about to transpire; and that is why Jesus went to meet the soldiers when they entered the garden. Furthermore, when they asked Him if He was Jesus of Nazareth, He told them that He was and every one of the soldiers fell backwards to the ground. God’s power was all over this situation, and the soldiers weren’t going to be allowed to do anything to Jesus or the eleven without God’s approval. Satan was blind to the plan of God; however, Jesus was fully aware of Satan’s plot. So, was this a trap of Satan or the divine plan of God? It was all God! 

Now what does this story have to do with you and me? We have a promise in Romans 8 : 28 that says, “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.” Most of the time, we won’t know what the future holds; however, this doesn’t keep us from obeying God’s voice. Not only do we not know what God is up to, neither does Satan. Nevertheless, that doesn’t keep Satan from attacking us in our garden of prayer.

How many times have you been busy obeying God’s will in your life, then, suddenly you discover that you have walked into what seems like a trap of Satan? However, later, after seeking the Lord and experiencing His delivering power on your behalf, you realize that the attack has turned into a divine set up that either strengthens your faith or brings promotion into your life. 

The point of this devotion is to illustrate further to Christians the importance of prayer. Because Jesus had spent His time in prayer, God revealed to Him what He was to do and what Satan would try to do against Him. Prayer will prepare you spiritually for the unknown and give you supernatural strength to overcome the attack of Satan. As a result, you will be able to watch the hand of God turn your trial into a triumph and your test into a testimony. God is faithful!

Serving the Faithful God,
Pastor Asa Dockery