“Then Satan entered Judas …. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.”
Luke 22:3-4
The defining moment in Judas’ life has gone down in history. It’s so familiar to anyone—Christian or not—that his name will forever be associated with betrayal. But we can’t help asking how someone who had been chosen as a disciple could possibly have such a reversal of commitment. Had Judas’ heart already been turned away so that when Satan spoke, he listened? We can only speculate on how it all transpired.
Previously, Jesus quoted the words of the prophet Isaiah to warn the people about not allowing their hearts to become calloused and not closing ears and eyes to truth (see Matthew 13:15). Judas would have been listening to that teaching.
This part of the story of Jesus’ life is sobering. Satan does seek to derail our walk with the Lord. “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Reflect on and renew the vows taken at your conversion or baptism to make Jesus Lord of all. Let the defining moments in your life result from standing faithfully alongside Jesus rather than turning from Him in betrayal.
Previously, Jesus quoted the words of the prophet Isaiah to warn the people about not allowing their hearts to become calloused and not closing ears and eyes to truth (see Matthew 13:15). Judas would have been listening to that teaching.
This part of the story of Jesus’ life is sobering. Satan does seek to derail our walk with the Lord. “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Reflect on and renew the vows taken at your conversion or baptism to make Jesus Lord of all. Let the defining moments in your life result from standing faithfully alongside Jesus rather than turning from Him in betrayal.
Scripture Focus
Luke 22:1-6
Insight
“Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:9)
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 11-12
- Psalm 109
- Romans 9-10