Today’s passage takes us from the Last Supper in the Upper Room to Gethsemane.  Jesus and His eleven remaining disciples walked through the dark narrow streets in the south of the city to a gate in the ancient walls, and out across the Kidron Vally to a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives.  It was a quiet and special place in the countryside, a frequent venue for Jesus and His disciples. 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 sent out earlier to do his evil work (John 13:21-30).  Judas, the dishonest treasurer of the ministry team, had been a close companion of Jesus.  But now he had been possessed by Satan and was being used to help destroy Jesus.  Having previously agreed a fee of 30 pieces of silver to hand Jesus over (Matthew 26:14-16) - worth about £300 today - Judas was guiding those who wanted to arrest Jesus in the dark.  

Jesus had been praying (John 17:1-26): 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, but His accusers were blind to the truth about Jesus and needed to be led through the night by the soul-darkened 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 in him, but also to suffer for him.” (Philippians 1:29).  Peter wrote: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as 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: but don’t forget that He always wins in the end!