Safe Place

Safe Place! In our Bible passage from John 18 we read of the betrayal by Judas. As I was reading these verses, I noted that this garden to which Jesus went was familiar to all of the disciples, including Judas. In America, especially in small towns, we feel safe. We do not worry about taking our children to the park or going for a walk on a sunny day.

1. When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

2. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

3. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

John 18:1-3, King James Version

Safe Place

In our Bible passage from John 18 we read of the betrayal by Judas. As I was reading these verses, I noted that this garden to which Jesus went was familiar to all of the disciples, including Judas.

I have often wondered what it must feel like in cities where riots and wars are commonplace. In America, especially in small towns, we feel safe. We do not worry about taking our children to the park or going for a walk on a sunny day.

Prior to this circumstance, this garden was felt safe to Jesus and his disciples--a place they often went. However, this night, it became a place of treachery; their otherwise safe place became the place where Jesus was arrested.

As a Christian, what places to we consider to be safe? Before you begin to start thinking geographically, think about this. The safest place for you and for me is right where God has put us! Our safety is in the hands of God, who loves us and protects us. Everything that happens to us is according to His great and wondrous plan.

Did Jesus feel unsafe in the garden? Absolutely not. Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen to Him, but He also knew that He was exactly where God, the Father, wanted Him to be.

What a lesson for us. I think the only time we need to be concerned about our safety is when we are not actively living in obedience to God, our Father. As we live for Him, no matter where He takes us, we are in the safest place we can be.

Next: The Wrong Jesus - verses 4-9