It WAS Night

The disciples were about to go through an incredible test of faith. They would see everything they hoped for in Jesus challenged. He would be betrayed, arrested, condemned and crucified on a cross. He would die and be buried.

The betrayal itself would be devastating. No one expected it. It would come from one who was considered part of the inner circle.

To betray one you shared bread with was one of the highest form of betrayal in Middle Eastern culture. To lift the heel was taken from a metaphor derived from the lifting of a horse’s hoof preparatory to kicking.

Jesus was about to be betrayed by one of the inner circle. It would be a devastating emotional blow to Jesus because He loved these men; it would be a shockingly devastating blow for the disciples because it was never expected.

They had taken Him for the triumphant Messiah who would be their deliverance from Rome and the establishment of a New Messianic Kingdom on earth. They still did not completely understand His mission. They still held to many of the misguided beliefs concerning the coming of the Messiah. The Warrior Lamb.

“The disciples might well have had their faith shattered had the betrayal taken them completely unaware. They might have thought Jesus’ enemies too resourceful for him. The prediction altered all that. It ensured that, on reflection, they would continue to see his mastery of the situation.

The disciples might well have been seriously shocked and their faith shattered had the betrayal taken them completely unawares. They might have thought Jesus’ enemies too resourceful for him. The prediction altered all that. It ensured that, on reflection, they would continue to see his mastery of the situation. When he was betrayed into the hands of his enemies it was just what he had foretold. He was not the deceived and helpless victim of unsuspected treachery, but One sent by God to effect the divine purpose going forward calmly and unafraid, to do what God had planned that he should do.

When he was betrayed into the hands of his enemies it was just what he had foretold. He was not the deceived and helpless victim of unsuspected treachery, but One sent by God to effect the divine purpose going forward calmly and unafraid, to do what God had planned that he should do.”

Morris, L. (1995). The Gospel according to John (p. 553). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Jesus did not want this challenge to cause disillusionment and abandonment.

God allows us to be tested and these tests are good for us.

One of the most inspiring sights in nature is the eagle in flight. With an endless expanse of blue behind it the eagle spreads its mighty wings and soars majestically and gracefully across the sky. Free, powerful, complete. Because of this the eagle becomes a symbol for how we’d like to be. We all want to soar like an eagle in life. But I wonder if you know how it is an eagle learns to soar? I am told that there is a particular species of eagle which builds its nest high up on the face of a cliff overlooking the sea. In this nest the eagle chick is hatched and spends its first days watching its mother come and go, collecting food and bringing it back. One day mum decides it’s time her chicks learned to fly. You know how she does it? She forces her way right into the nest and then pushes her chicks out. The chick starts plummeting down the cliff-face, terrified, shocked, heartbeat racing, aware that death is just seconds away. And then something amazing happens. The chick instinctively stretches the wings it never knew it had, the plummet becomes a fall, then a gentle rise. Soon the chick is soaring like its mother. It’s in that split second of terrifying danger that the chick comes face to face with itself, and face to face with wider reality. In that terrifying moments the chick discovers what it is. And without that terrifying moment it will never learn to soar.

But I wonder if you know how it is an eagle learns to soar? I am told that there is a particular species of eagle which builds its nest high up on the face of a cliff overlooking the sea. In this nest the eagle chick is hatched and spends its first days watching its mother come and go, collecting food and bringing it back.

One day mum decides it’s time her chicks learned to fly. You know how she does it? She forces her way right into the nest and then pushes her chicks out. The chick starts plummeting down the cliff-face, terrified, shocked, heartbeat racing, aware that death is just seconds away. And then something amazing happens. The chick instinctively stretches the wings it never knew it had, the plummet becomes a fall, then a gentle rise. Soon the chick is soaring like its mother.

It’s in that split second of terrifying danger that the chick comes face to face with itself, and face to face with wider reality. In that terrifying moments the chick discovers what it is. And without that terrifying moment it will never learn to soar.

He allows our faith to be tested so that we might grow stronger in that faith. He never allows us to be crushed but instead presents opportunities for us to be encouraged.

James 1:2–3 GNB

My brothers and sisters, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure.

One of the most inspiring sights in nature is the eagle in flight. With an endless expanse of blue behind it the eagle spreads its mighty wings and soars majestically and gracefully across the sky. Free, powerful, complete. Because of this the eagle becomes a symbol for how we’d like to be. We all want to soar like an eagle in life. But I wonder if you know how it is an eagle learns to soar? I am told that there is a particular species of eagle which builds its nest high up on the face of a cliff overlooking the sea. In this nest the eagle chick is hatched and spends its first days watching its mother come and go, collecting food and bringing it back. One day mum decides it’s time her chicks learned to fly. You know how she does it? She forces her way right into the nest and then pushes her chicks out. The chick starts plummeting down the cliff-face, terrified, shocked, heartbeat racing, aware that death is just seconds away. And then something amazing happens. The chick instinctively stretches the wings it never knew it had, the plummet becomes a fall, then a gentle rise. Soon the chick is soaring like its mother. It’s in that split second of terrifying danger that the chick comes face to face with itself, and face to face with wider reality. In that terrifying moments the chick discovers what it is. And without that terrifying moment it will never learn to soar.

Times of testing give us an opportunity to demonstrate the genuineness of our faith produces patience.

Curtis Vaughn — “Patience” translates a Greek word which means steadfastness, endurance, and fortitude. “Staying power” is a fair representation of its meaning.”

Jesus was making certain that the testing to come would produce strength and staying power in the lives of the disciples. God is careful to limit the test of our faith so that it might produce the right results.

“Patience” translates a Greek word which has in it the ideas of steadfastness, endurance, and fortitude. Ropes defines it as “unswerving constancy to faith and piety in spite of adversity and suffering” (p. 136). Weymouth understands it here to mean “power of endurance.” “Staying power” is a fair representation of its meaning.

Vaughan, C. (2003). James (p. 20). Cape Coral, FL: Founders Press.

It was imperative that the disciples continue to believe that He was the Messiah so they might fulfill God’s call on their life as disciples and ambassadors of the Gospel.

They needed strong faith so they might fulfill Christ’s calling on their life to be the Light of the world once He leaves His earthly ministry in the hands of His church.

So the test was limited…Judas’ betrayal would accomplish God’s purpose to make their faith stronger not crush their faith in Him

Jesus is the one sent from the Father…we are the ones sent from Jesus. He was on mission from the Father and we are on mission from Him.

It is imperative that we also maintain our faith come what may so that we might know Him and fulfill our call to be the Light as well.

God is working all things together in such a way that we might become more and more like Jesus…stronger and stronger in our faith…more and more effective in our calling…His purpose in us.

Romans 8:28 NASB95

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 NASB95

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

So let’s look at the betrayal Jesus was predicted and the trial it would present to the disciples...

Romans 8:28 NASB95

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

The Hurt — Jesus was brokenhearted over the coming betrayal at the hands of Judas. He is in control of the situation…nothing is coming a a surprise to Him...However…He loved Judas just as he loved every other human being. His heart was broken to the idea anyone would reject Him but how much more so for this one who was an intimate part of the inner circle.

We often miss the pain of this event and the monumental nature of it. We simply imagine Judas to be a wicked, evil, unloveable, vile human being and forget some key details concerning who he really was.

Judas was loved by Jesus. He was wanted. He was pursued by Christ.

Judas — No one ever suspected that he was the one who would betray Jesus. He was trusted with the money bag and was seated at the place of honor during the supper. Jesus had chosen him as one of his disciples and none of the men could imagine that ANY of them could ever betray Jesus.

John was the disciple whom Jesus loved and he was sitting in the second greatest place of honor at the table. He leans back toward the chest of Jesus and asks, “Lord who is it?” The question could be asked soft enough that no one else could hear. Jesus could respond in like fashion. It was a personal conversation no one else was privy to hear.

Jesus is perhaps appealing to Judas one last time to repent from his intentions. He had given him the seat of honor at the supper. Now, Jesus was giving him the “sop” which was a mark of favor. Jesus loved and pursued Judas to the end…offering Him every opportunity to repent but he did not respond.

I once heard a pastor say that he thought perhaps Judas was meant to serve in the capacity the Apostle Paul served. Judas might have written much of the New Testament, evangelized much of the world on mission trips and been one of the most significant leaders in the ancient church. But instead he chose Satan’s plan for his life and became the property of the devil.

Instead he gave himself completely to Satan and the plan birthed in his heart

John 13:2 NASB95

During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him,

I once heard a pastor say that he thought perhaps Judas was meant to serve in the capacity the Apostle Paul served. Judas might have written much of the New Testament, evangelized much of the world on mission trips and been one of the most significant leaders in the ancient church. But instead he chose Satan’s plan for his life and became the property of the devil.

Entered — This word literally means Satan entered the body of Judas and took possession of him. At the moment Judas gave himself to the plot birthed in his heart by the devil the devil entered him and took complete control over his person.

People sometimes ask if Judas was saved. One thing we know for certain is that he wasn’t at this point. A believer in Christ cannot be possessed by demons…influenced yes, possessed no.

Entered — This word means Satan literally entered the body of Judas and took possession of him.

At this moment Jesus knew Judas was lost. he tells him to go out and do what it is in his heart to do and do so quickly.

And it was night...

John has used light and darkness throughout the Gospel to illustrate Christ and righteousness against unbelief and wickedness.

Judas had cut himself off from the light of the world; now his life was nothing but darkness. Mankind was now witnessing the betrayal of the Son of God into the hands of those lost in darkness. The world was entering its darkest hour.

Those who have yet to receive the gift of the Gospel are still living in that darkness. They are doing exactly what Judas did on that terrible night of betrayal. They are listening to the voice of demons and unbelief…choosing to follow them rather than the witness and conviction of the Holy Spirit.

If you are sitting in a dark room with no windows, you can't see the objects in the room. Even though the objects are there, you aren't aware of them because you're in darkness. However, if someone turns on the light switch, the things previously hidden from your eyes are now obvious.

If you are sitting in a dark room with no windows, you can't see the objects in the room. Even though the objects are there, you aren't aware of them because you're in darkness. However, if someone turns on the light switch, the things previously hidden from your eyes are now obvious. Don't get angry at people in spiritual darkness for not being able to see what's obvious to you. Instead, bring them some spiritual light.

Don't get angry at people in spiritual darkness for not being able to see what's obvious to you. Instead, bring them some spiritual light.

Jesus is the Light of the world

John 8:12 NASB95

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

We have been saved and filled with the Light of the world..the Light of Life. It is vitally important we be reminded of the privilege, blessing and opportunity this brings.

Matthew 5:14–16 NASB95

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Satan wants the world to remain in darkness. He was doing all he could to destroy Christ on that night 2000 years ago. He was doing all he could (through this trial) to destroy the hope and faith of the disciples. He was doing all he could to destroy the mission of Christ and His disciples through the betrayal of Judas.

What is satan doing in your life to distract and destroy God’s mission in your life? What darkness is he bringing into your world in an attempt to disillusion you?

Sometimes he uses the darkness itself…we are so blinded by our disgust and hatred of sin that we begin to be disgusted with and hate the sinners committing the sin…forgetting they are just in the dark…the place Satan once had us and does his best to keep all men.

We must remain focused on Christ and our mission in Him. No matter how difficult the mission becomes we must remember to whom we belong and the importance of the work He has given us to do.

Jesus was sent from the Father and we have been sent from Jesus. We must take our mission seriously. We are a vital part of what Jesus came to do when He came to save the world.

It was night when Judas left the table…But on resurrection morning the dawn came and the Light returned. We are a witness to the dawning of that light; we must do all we can to tell a world lost in darkness that it has come.

Our mission is to be the Light of the world. How do we do it?

Trust Christ to do the work — We never do anything on our own. He has called us, empowers us and accomplishes the work through us. We have the honor of being a part of what He is doing but the work depends upon Him. We must always remember this important fact!

Acts 1:8 NASB95

but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

Pray — Do you have a list of people for whom you are praying to know Christ? A written list of those you are praying and having faith to know Jesus? Pull out your phone and open up your notes app…Let’s make one together right now!

Game-plan — Do you know how to share the Gospel effectively? If not, open your notes app and make a second note. Write down these verses: , , 10:9-10. Now you know how to share your faith effectively. Now you can share with anyone how they might know Christ.

Just Do It — When is the lat time you shared the Gospel? Make a plan to do so today. Take out your notes app…time for another note. Write down the name of one person you know is lost…commit right now to let that be your one person whom you will pursue a conversation with this week about the Gospel.

It is night no more. The world needs to know the Light of the World has come. Will you commit to tell someone this week? Even if you end up simply inviting them to attend church with you…that is a start! Will you start the journey which might lead them to faith in Christ?

It WAS Night

Introduction

The Betrayal

It Was Night

How to Be The Light