Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray Him to them. Luke 22: 3-4
The theme of today’s devotion is Kingdom Divided/Enemies Resided and was written by Pastor Unger.
Was Judas a bad man? He certainly has that reputation. But for three years, he was simply one of Jesus’ disciples. There was nothing that set him apart, as far as we can tell; nothing that hinted at the betrayal to come. He was a trusted member of the core group.
Our text says that “Satan entered into Judas...” That is a common enough occurrence. Satan worms his way into all our lives at times – especially when we are needy, desperate, or at our most vulnerable, for whatever reason. In short, he comes in when we take our eyes off Jesus! Look how it was for Eve and Adam! God said, “No.” Satan said, “Yes,” and cleverly persuaded Eve to say, “Yes.” She lost sight of the end game which is living to please God.
Scholars surmise that Judas may have been the only Judean among the twelve disciples of Jesus. Judeans considered themselves to be superior to Galilean "country bumpkins." When Jesus gave him charge of the money box, it may have additionally boosted his ego.
We can also assume that Judas was a Zealot by his surname, Iscariot. The Zealots were highly motivated by socio-economic and political factors in Israel. However, a misunderstanding of Old Testament prophecy also played into their thinking. They believed that if they turned Israel back to God and incited war against the Romans, the Messiah would arise to lead them and establish His Kingdom. It is easy to see, then, how Judas would be a pawn in Satan’s hand.
Was Judas a bad man? I believe he was no more so than you and I are. Satan gains the day whenever he coaxes one of us to do what is wrong. The consequences of Judas’ sin changed the world, but God even had a plan to deal with that. He brought good out of a terrible betrayal! Without the crucifixion there can be no resurrection.
Holy God, You know me. You know my vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Clothe me with Your armor that I may resist Satan, and let my constant prayer shield me from his assaults. Amen.
The theme of today’s devotion is Kingdom Divided/Enemies Resided and was written by Pastor Unger.
Was Judas a bad man? He certainly has that reputation. But for three years, he was simply one of Jesus’ disciples. There was nothing that set him apart, as far as we can tell; nothing that hinted at the betrayal to come. He was a trusted member of the core group.
Our text says that “Satan entered into Judas...” That is a common enough occurrence. Satan worms his way into all our lives at times – especially when we are needy, desperate, or at our most vulnerable, for whatever reason. In short, he comes in when we take our eyes off Jesus! Look how it was for Eve and Adam! God said, “No.” Satan said, “Yes,” and cleverly persuaded Eve to say, “Yes.” She lost sight of the end game which is living to please God.
Scholars surmise that Judas may have been the only Judean among the twelve disciples of Jesus. Judeans considered themselves to be superior to Galilean "country bumpkins." When Jesus gave him charge of the money box, it may have additionally boosted his ego.
We can also assume that Judas was a Zealot by his surname, Iscariot. The Zealots were highly motivated by socio-economic and political factors in Israel. However, a misunderstanding of Old Testament prophecy also played into their thinking. They believed that if they turned Israel back to God and incited war against the Romans, the Messiah would arise to lead them and establish His Kingdom. It is easy to see, then, how Judas would be a pawn in Satan’s hand.
Was Judas a bad man? I believe he was no more so than you and I are. Satan gains the day whenever he coaxes one of us to do what is wrong. The consequences of Judas’ sin changed the world, but God even had a plan to deal with that. He brought good out of a terrible betrayal! Without the crucifixion there can be no resurrection.
Holy God, You know me. You know my vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Clothe me with Your armor that I may resist Satan, and let my constant prayer shield me from his assaults. Amen.
Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray Him to them. Luke 22: 3-4
The theme of today’s devotion is Kingdom Divided/Enemies Resided and was written by Pastor Unger.
Was Judas a bad man? He certainly has that reputation. But for three years, he was simply one of Jesus’ disciples. There was nothing that set him apart, as far as we can tell; nothing that hinted at the betrayal to come. He was a trusted member of the core group.
Our text says that “Satan entered into Judas...” That is a common enough occurrence. Satan worms his way into all our lives at times – especially when we are needy, desperate, or at our most vulnerable, for whatever reason. In short, he comes in when we take our eyes off Jesus! Look how it was for Eve and Adam! God said, “No.” Satan said, “Yes,” and cleverly persuaded Eve to say, “Yes.” She lost sight of the end game which is living to please God.
Scholars surmise that Judas may have been the only Judean among the twelve disciples of Jesus. Judeans considered themselves to be superior to Galilean "country bumpkins." When Jesus gave him charge of the money box, it may have additionally boosted his ego.
We can also assume that Judas was a Zealot by his surname, Iscariot. The Zealots were highly motivated by socio-economic and political factors in Israel. However, a misunderstanding of Old Testament prophecy also played into their thinking. They believed that if they turned Israel back to God and incited war against the Romans, the Messiah would arise to lead them and establish His Kingdom. It is easy to see, then, how Judas would be a pawn in Satan’s hand.
Was Judas a bad man? I believe he was no more so than you and I are. Satan gains the day whenever he coaxes one of us to do what is wrong. The consequences of Judas’ sin changed the world, but God even had a plan to deal with that. He brought good out of a terrible betrayal! Without the crucifixion there can be no resurrection.
Holy God, You know me. You know my vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Clothe me with Your armor that I may resist Satan, and let my constant prayer shield me from his assaults. Amen.
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