Jesus’ prayer in John Chapter 17 completed John’s account of the Last Supper (Chapters 13-17). Today’s passage takes us from the seclusion and peace of the Upper Room to Gethsemane. It was a quiet garden outside the city wall, east of Jerusalem. Other gospels tell about Jesus’ prayerful struggle in that olive grove (Matthew 26:36-46), but John moves straight to the betrayal with all its contrasts.
 
Judas Iscariot had been a close companion of Jesus, the treasurer of the ministry team: now he was guiding those who wanted to arrest Jesus. Jesus had been praying: now He was being preyed upon. Jesus was safe in the city during daylight: now He was exposed to danger outside the city at night. He was the Light of the world who obediently walked towards His suffering: His accusers were blind to the truth about Jesus and needed to be led through the darkness by the betrayer and flaming torches.
 
Christians should expect contrasts. Fellowship with God and suffering are both part of the normal Christian life. Jesus had said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). Paul wrote: “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him” (Philippians 1:29). Peter wrote: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12-13). Extreme contrasts in your Christian life are more normal than you think. So be prepared, be prayerful, and be ready to participate in the big adventure with Jesus: don’t forget that He always wins in the end!