John 13:21-30

21After he said these things, Jesus became visibly upset, and then he told them why. "One of you is going to betray me."

22-25The disciples looked around at one another, wondering who on earth he was talking about. One of the disciples, the one Jesus loved dearly, was reclining against him, his head on his shoulder. Peter motioned to him to ask who Jesus might be talking about. So, being the closest, he said, "Master, who?"

26-27Jesus said, "The one to whom I give this crust of bread after I've dipped it." Then he dipped the crust and gave it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. As soon as the bread was in his hand, Satan entered him.

"What you must do," said Jesus, "do. Do it and get it over with."

28-29No one around the supper table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that since Judas was their treasurer, Jesus was telling him to buy what they needed for the Feast, or that he should give something to the poor.

30Judas, with the piece of bread, left. It was night.

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Judas, one who had followed Jesus throughout his ministry, was about to betray Jesus Christ. Jesus knew he had only so many sunsets left, and the actions of Judas were bringing the end closer and closer.

I am continue to be surprised by the inner strength of Jesus. Surely the easier path was so tempting. But he maintained a focus, a resoluteness, and did what he had come to do. I admire that focus and dedication. How do we focus ourselves on what must be done? How do we uphold our determination in the face of opposition? How do we make it through the challenges that face us?

Only because God is our strength in the midst of it. God does not promise to keep us out of the shadows and dark parts of our lives, only to be with us in the middle of them. God is our rock, our refuge, and our hope that we willmake it through the darkness and return to the light and the joy we once knew.

Blessings