As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.
“as soon as” = Even though the other disciples were ignorant of it, Judas knew exactly what Jesus meant and left in a hurry to do his evil.
“night” = note (Luke 22:53). This is much more than just an indication of the time of day (John 11:10). “It is always night when a man goes from Christ to follow his own purposes. It is always night when a man listens to the call of evil rather than the summons of good. It is always night when hate puts out the light of love. It is always night when a man turns his back on Jesus.” (Barclay) By cutting himself off from the light of the world, Judas has shut himself up to the darkness of night.
Luke 22:53 Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”
John 11:10 It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.”
Even though it is night for Judas, it is the dawning of brilliant light for the rest of mankind. God’s Will cannot be defeated. Even the actions of this traitor will be turned by Him into the most wonderful event in all of history. If God can do that with the betrayal of a close friend and disciple, what will He do with the supposedly “bad” things that are going on in your life?
Romans 8:28-32 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?