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.

“At the Darkest Night”



John 18:3-5, 10-11



3 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.

4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”

5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.

“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)

10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)

11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”



It was the darkest night. Jesus prayed so hard at the Gethsemane. His sweat turned into blood. He even prayed to Father whether this cup can be avoided. The Father was silent. Jesus wanted the disciples to join Him in the earnest prayers. They were all sleeping. Finally here comes the betrayer and the haters armed with weapons. This was the night that the power of darkness was engulfing the Son of God. He was going to be handed over to the power of darkness. This seems to be the night that absolutely no wishes of Jesus Christ were heard. Jesus must have been completely drained physically and spiritually. But He didn’t wait to be discovered. Jesus rather voluntarily disclosed His identity to them. . As they found out who Jesus was, Malchus might have hurriedly run toward Jesus in an attempt to forcefully arrest Him even though Jesus never intended to run away. After the bloody exhausting prayers, He came to know the will of God, And He now was now ready to drink the cup. Peter drew the sword and struck him. Jesus calmed him down and healed the wounded servant. At the darkest night, although the torches and lanterns of the soldiers were dimly lighting the night to search for Jesus. Their lights were useless. It was Jesus Himself who outshined everything. By giving Himself voluntarily and peacefully, He saved everybody on the scene. He healed the wounded Malchus. He saved Peter and other disciples from harm. He saved the lives of soldiers and officers by avoiding confrontation. He told us before, He overcame evil by good. He overcame the darkness with eternal light in Him. We all do not want the darkest night of our life. But it can come. It will come. What would you do on the darkest night in your life? We see what we could do from today’s passage. When the darkest night of our life comes, we should hold the hands of the Lord who overcame the darkest night of al l ages. Let Him shine our way through step by step until we reach the brightest place. I am sure He will gladly guide us through the darkest night to the brightest day when we call upon Him. He already went through it before. Amen!