Please turn with me to John 13, verse 21. The apostle John repeatedly emphasized that a godless life is characterized by darkness. A very dramatic example of this darkness is Judas' betrayal of Jesus.
Now the repetition of the phrase "now after the piece of bread" in verse 27 and "having received the piece of bread" in verse 30, suggests that Satan's influence over Judas and Judas' departure from the group must have happened simultaneously.
There is great tragedy in the abrupt comment, "And it was night." Judas left Bethany for Jerusalem, about two miles away, and under the guidance of the prince of darkness, he committed this act of darkness, carrying out this work of darkness at night.
Please turn with me to Luke 22, verse 52. Judas left the light of Christ's presence and entered into the world of darkness. "And it was night." Light symbolizes illumination, the opposite of darkness, and it might have been that when Judas opened the door to leave, John saw the city shrouded in darkness. John's four words matched Jesus' statement when Judas betrayed Him.
John's comment, "And it was night," increases the implication that Jesus' life was full of challenges. The opposition of darkness and light is illustrated by the growing conflict between Jesus and His enemies.
