John 18:2 KJV
And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
John Gill says Jesus used this oft resorted place,
....partly for refreshment and rest after he had been preaching in the temple, and partly for prayer, and also for private conversation with his disciples.
I love the concept of "this oft resorted place" for Christ. Because it was a garden, I have visions of beautiful flowers and fragrances. It was, for Christ, a quiet place, away from the activity which would have accompanied Christ's every trip to Jerusalem, partly because of His notoriety and partly because He generally came to town during one of their holy days.
Barnes rightly says,
"Every Christian should have some place - be it a grove, a room, or a garden - where he may be alone and offer his devotions to God."
This place also reminds me, however, of that place where Daniel was trapped. His enemies knew where to find him; he would be in prayer. Judas likewise knew just where to find Jesus. That place that was perhaps Christ's most precious was also the place where the violence that ended in Calvary began. No Christian, however careful in devotion, can absolutely protect themselves from enemies in the world and the resulting havoc they may make in our lives. Only as we are steeled in our walk with the Lord can we endure such attacks.
And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
John Gill says Jesus used this oft resorted place,
....partly for refreshment and rest after he had been preaching in the temple, and partly for prayer, and also for private conversation with his disciples.
I love the concept of "this oft resorted place" for Christ. Because it was a garden, I have visions of beautiful flowers and fragrances. It was, for Christ, a quiet place, away from the activity which would have accompanied Christ's every trip to Jerusalem, partly because of His notoriety and partly because He generally came to town during one of their holy days.
Barnes rightly says,
"Every Christian should have some place - be it a grove, a room, or a garden - where he may be alone and offer his devotions to God."
This place also reminds me, however, of that place where Daniel was trapped. His enemies knew where to find him; he would be in prayer. Judas likewise knew just where to find Jesus. That place that was perhaps Christ's most precious was also the place where the violence that ended in Calvary began. No Christian, however careful in devotion, can absolutely protect themselves from enemies in the world and the resulting havoc they may make in our lives. Only as we are steeled in our walk with the Lord can we endure such attacks.
No comments:
Post a Comment