Luke 22:1-13
Today's Passage: Luke 22:1-13
“Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot…” (v. 3a).
When I read this, I see the horror in the situation. Satan got a hold of Judas’ life and was now in the driver seat. This begs the question: How did this happen?
Judas spent 3 years with Jesus. He saw Jesus heal people, was told the true meaning of parables, and lived side by side with the Savior. He got first-hand experience with Jesus. So why would he turn away?
It’s incomprehensible why a person who once professed faith is now abandoning their faith. But I think this is an important lesson for anyone who has grieved over someone who has abandoned their faith. When something like this happens, we begin to ask the questions: Where did we go wrong? What should I have done?
Judas’ example teaches us that even the best biblical evidence, most compelling argument, best church community, and discipleship process cannot, in and of themselves, change someone’s heart. Only Jesus can do that.
If you love someone and have really invested in them spiritually and now they have turned away, do not blame yourself. There is a spiritual battle happening for the heart of each person. You can do all the right things spiritually for someone and they can still turn away. It happened with Judas.
The reason why Satan was able to enter into Judas was because Judas gave him access. Judas loved money more than being a follower of Jesus. Colin Smith said, “Unconfessed sin always opens the door to Satan’s power.”
So today, if you are grieving over someone who has abandoned the faith, take time to pray for them. Ask God to reveal Himself to them in a way they have never experienced. Ask God to change their heart.
Side note: I do want to be clear about something also. If you are a follower of Christ, Satan cannot possess you, because when you came into a relationship with Jesus, Jesus sealed you with the Holy Spirit.
Written By: Brice Stockton
“Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot…” (v. 3a).
When I read this, I see the horror in the situation. Satan got a hold of Judas’ life and was now in the driver seat. This begs the question: How did this happen?
Judas spent 3 years with Jesus. He saw Jesus heal people, was told the true meaning of parables, and lived side by side with the Savior. He got first-hand experience with Jesus. So why would he turn away?
It’s incomprehensible why a person who once professed faith is now abandoning their faith. But I think this is an important lesson for anyone who has grieved over someone who has abandoned their faith. When something like this happens, we begin to ask the questions: Where did we go wrong? What should I have done?
Judas’ example teaches us that even the best biblical evidence, most compelling argument, best church community, and discipleship process cannot, in and of themselves, change someone’s heart. Only Jesus can do that.
If you love someone and have really invested in them spiritually and now they have turned away, do not blame yourself. There is a spiritual battle happening for the heart of each person. You can do all the right things spiritually for someone and they can still turn away. It happened with Judas.
The reason why Satan was able to enter into Judas was because Judas gave him access. Judas loved money more than being a follower of Jesus. Colin Smith said, “Unconfessed sin always opens the door to Satan’s power.”
So today, if you are grieving over someone who has abandoned the faith, take time to pray for them. Ask God to reveal Himself to them in a way they have never experienced. Ask God to change their heart.
Side note: I do want to be clear about something also. If you are a follower of Christ, Satan cannot possess you, because when you came into a relationship with Jesus, Jesus sealed you with the Holy Spirit.
Written By: Brice Stockton
2 Comments
Good word today, Brice. Thank you! I had some questions about why satan was able to enter into Judas. I looked up some commentary in my study Bible, and it mentioned that Judas had never truly believed in Jesus. Jesus was also aware of this. John 6:64 says, "But there are some of you who do not believe. (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him)". There are other examples of Judas's behavior that show his unbelief even while being in the presence of Jesus (John 12:6). Judas allowed satan to enter into him.
Thank you Jesus, for sealing us with the Holy Spirit when we accept you and believe. Satan cannot win when we have you on our side.
I don't think Judas ever had faith in Jesus; he had faith in what his idea of what the Messiah would be - a militaristic conqueror of the Romans. Matthew is the only one who gives an account of Judas' regret, not repentance, but regret. He couldn't handle the truth, so he ended his life.