Read John 18:1-2. Circle the word(s) that stand out to you. What is the Lord saying to you?
1When 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.
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.
Reflections on the Word.
Where is your “quiet place” to be with the Heavenly Father? Is it in the car, at work in your office, at home in your bedroom, or some other private place? If someone was coming to look for you early in the morning or late at night, would they know where to find you?
The Apostle John reveals a detail about the life of Jesus and his disciples. He says this, “Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.” The Scripture doesn’t say when Jesus brought the disciples to the Garden area whether it was during the day or night hours. But it was a place that the disciples went often enough that it was familiar to all of them.
I wonder what was spoken of and what they did when Jesus and His disciples went to the garden area as their normal habit? Was it a place of relaxation? Was it a place of reflection of what was happening during the day or week? Was it a time when the disciples asked Jesus questions about the day’s events? Or, was it a time when they saw Jesus praying to the Father? I wonder if that garden was their “secret place” to be away from the crowds of people.
Each one of us needs a “secret garden” to get away from the things of this world, especially from the constant ringing and pinging of our cell phones. Even when my phone is on silent mode, I wonder if I am missing any important messages. But we need to set aside our own plan and go to our “secret garden” to be still and quiet before the Lord and hear His voice knowing that He is fully aware and in control of all our circumstances. Our Heavenly Father is always in our “secret garden” waiting for us. How often and how long are we there with Him? May our time with the Heavenly Father be more than just three minutes in a day!
-Kingston