What Jesus Did! 'Betrayal Among Friends' — John 18:1-3

Thursday, November 5, 2026

After saying these things [in prayer], Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley with his disciples and entered a grove of olive trees. Judas, the betrayer, knew this place, because Jesus had often gone there with his disciples. The leading priests and Pharisees had given Judas a contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards to accompany him. Now with blazing torches, lanterns, and weapons, they arrived at the olive grove.
— John 18:1-3 NLT

Key Thought

We know what was about to happen. Judas was going with the soldiers and guards to betray Jesus. Judas knew where to find Jesus; Jesus took his disciples there many times to pray and be with them. Unfortunately, Satan still uses people close to God's children to wound and betray them in places where they feel they should be safe. That reality makes the wound all the more grievous and the methods of betrayal all the more harsh and garish. The very acts of betrayal seem to defile the once holy places. We must recognize, however, that betrayal - no matter the place where it occurs or the people who are involved - is not the fundamental problem. Satan is! Since Jesus was betrayed by one close to him, we should not expect things to be all that different for us. But, we must not let that possibility keep us from God's people or God's places! If Satan can keep us from Jesus' disciples and the place of prayer and fellowship, then he has us just where he wants us. Don't let the unfaithfulness of others drive you from the people of God!

Today's Prayer

Father, give me strength and courage never to let the ruthless and duplicitous actions of others drive me from your people or the places I need to go for strength, encouragement, and support. Jesus, please come to me and minister to my broken spirit in times like these. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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3 Related Resources by Heartlight

John 18:2
Devo: Today's Verse
"Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples."
Could they have found you?
Illustration of John 18:2
Inspirational illustration of John 18:2 -- Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.
Seed, Towel, Promise, and Torchlight: The Torchlight
Article by Phil Ware
With Jesus' arrest under torchlight, the end for darkness' reign drew near. Phil Ware concludes his four-part series on Jesus' Passion called seed, towel, promise, and torchlight.

Illustration

Illustration of John 18:1-3 NLT — Now with blazing torches, lanterns, and weapons, they arrived at the olive grove.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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