Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 18:2

"Now Judas also, who betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus oft-times resorted thither with his disciples." — John 18:2 (ASV)

For Jesus often resorted there with his disciples.

If ever anyone might have lived without prayer, it was our Lord Jesus Christ. His humanity was perfect, yet he abounded in prayer; and the nearer we grow to Christian perfection, the more we shall pray.

I heard of one who said that she was so perfectly acquiescent in the will of God that she had left off praying; she had got beyond that! What a fearful delusion! God save all of us from ever falling into it!

Here is One who could say from his heart, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as You will. He expressed in prayer his perfect acquiescence in his Father's will. Did Christ, our Lord and Master, pray so, and will any who profess to be his followers speak so presumptuously as to say that they can live without prayer? God forbid!

And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus often resorted there with his disciples.

That dark and gloomy olive garden was no pleasure garden that night. It had often been a place of retirement and of prayer for the Master.

What happy memories his disciples must have had of being with him there for a season of prayer! It was a very special privilege for them to be with him when he preached, but it must have been, if possible, a still greater privilege to be with him when he prayed.

It is not recorded that his disciples ever said to him, "Lord, teach us how to preach;" but at least one of them was so struck with his prayers that he said, "Lord, teach us to pray." We may well ask him to do that for us now. Perhaps some of you would like to be taught how you can become great; it is much more important for you to be taught to become prayerful.

And Judas also, who betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus often resorted there with his disciples.

The place of our Lord's frequent retirement for private prayer was well known to Judas, who had often gone there with his Lord and his fellow disciples.