Satan’s Move

Satan’s Move

Luke 22:3, NIV

Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.

Setting the Scene

Luke is the only Gospel writer to include this chilling note describing Satan’s direct participation in the events leading up to Jesus’ death. Matthew (10:4), Mark (3:19), and Luke (6:16) mention Judas once early on in their list of disciples. Each notes that he was the betrayer. John 6:70-71 refers to one earlier comment by Jesus indicating that he knew beforehand that one of his chosen followers would betray him.

The first clue we get of Judas’s less-than-wholehearted devotion to Jesus comes in John 12:4-6 when he voiced an objection to Mary’s lavish display of worship in anointing Jesus with costly oil. John notes, “He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it” (John 12:6, NIV).

Luke’s description of Satan’s role is confirmed by John 13:2: “The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus” (NIV). The fact that Satan found a willing ally to work through in setting Jesus up doesn’t remove any responsibility from Judas. Alongside the human events transpiring around Jesus was also a great spiritual battle. Judas was used, but he made himself available. John’s insight into Judas’s character as a thief reminds us that we can’t accept demonic suggestions and then blame Satan for what we do. If we give ourselves to Satan’s influence, we will eventually be shocked (as Judas clearly was) where that influence leads us.

Getting Personal

When are you most aware of demonic suggestions in your life?

How do you respond when you recognize that temptation is from Satan?

Ephesians 6:11-12 includes a warning and instructions regarding Satan’s influence: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (NKJV). We can’t afford to take spiritual warfare lightly.

Talking to God

Learn from the negative example of Judas. Ask the Lord to alert you to attitudes and habits that leave the door open for Satan’s influence in your life. Ask him to protect you by the power of his Holy Spirit.