When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.
Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So, Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
We all encounter a Judas at some point in our lives. It's disheartening and disturbing because the person knows where we hang out, what we like in our coffee and whether we eat breakfast early or not at all. Betrayal tastes sour like a lemon in our mouths!
Because the person has personal history with us and/or our family, betrayal leaves us unsettled! The last thing we expect is betrayal. Yet, it happens. Notice what Jesus did BEFORE the betrayal incident occurred. He prayed.
We have decisions to make with any betrayal encounter: 1) Do we process the event and move on with our goals without being sidetracked? or 2) Do we sink into despair? The choice is ours. Be encouraged, Jesus overcame the world, John 16:33.