Late that night Jesus leads the disciples into deadly danger. Gethsemane is a walled garden with limited escape options and the worst thing is that Judas knows it.  Judas, at this point under the influence of Satan, leads a small army of Roman soldiers from the nearby Antonia fortress at the behest of the high priest. They come carrying torches and weapons - the world has come to make war against and destroy Jesus...and Jesus has led His friends right into the trap. He knew of course...so what is He doing? He is bringing them to see Him stop and knock-down an army of darkness with the words: "I am He". He is bringing them to experience physical deliverance as He hands Himself over to the army, on the condition that His disciples are allowed to flee. John adds the explanation: "This was to fulfill the word that He had spoken: 'Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one'" (John 18:9). Jesus teaches us a vivid lesson here, that when God's people are facing the very worst that the darkness can throw at them, God is still able to deliver them - sometimes physically but always spiritually. No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck us from His hand! This is our assurance and certainty in Christ: "nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:39). But also hear these immensely helpful words:

"What is the New Testament way of obtaining certainty [assurance of salvation]? First of all, the objective belief of the facts concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. If you are uncertain, if you are unhappy, the first thing is to look at the Lord Jesus Christ. If you look at yourselves and nothing else you will see nothing but sin and blackness. No man can be sure by looking at his own heart. Look unto the Lord, look at the Son of God dying for yours sins. Be objective - look out to Him, look away to Him from despair or sin. He came, not for the righteous, but for the sinners, not for the guiltless but for the guilty. He has died for sinners; therefore, if you see your sins, look unto Him, start with Him, be objective" (Martyn Lloyd-Jones).

Praise God Today: "Blessed Assurance"
Pray Today:

• For the host, speakers and interviewees this week at Chat65 as they seek to witness to the saving reality of God in their lives and to proclaim the saving work of God in history to those listening.
• For the street team as they seek to engage with passers by and invite them into Chat65 - pray for their encouragement as they meet mixed reactions.