This morning I opened up the bible to the gospel of Luke. As Christians, we are in the season of Lent, preparing our hearts and minds for Easter. Jesus was crucified on the cross, died and was buried, three days later, he rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Jesus was crucified, because one of his twelve apostles betrayed him. Judas betrayed Jesus. Reading the scriptures, “Satan entered Judas”. Judas then “went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.” The chief priests “were delighted and agreed to give him money” for the betrayal. Judas agreed to receive money for betraying Jesus. “He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.”
Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.
–Luke 22:3-6 (NIV)
When I read this, I wondered how Satan could have entered Judas. He was an apostle. Jesus was half God and half man, with only 12 apostles. Judas was in the presence of God everyday. How could someone sitting, walking and eating with God, sin? Jesus would perform miracles and send out the apostles to perform miracles. After seeing miracles performed right in front of you, how could you not believe that you were in the presence of God? How could you still sin and look Jesus in his eyes?
In the gospel of John, it is written that Judas was a thief; “he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.” Judas kept the money bag and helped himself when he wanted money. Judas was following Jesus and stealing from him, long before his ultimate betrayal.
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)
So, maybe it was not so hard for Satan to enter Judas. It sounds like Judas had one foot in and one foot out. He believed Jesus when it was convenient and stole from him when he wanted more. If one of Jesus’s apostles could sin, how easy is it for us to sin? If one in the presence of God could still sin, its clear that we have to work hard not to do the same. Are any of us fully righteous? The bible says no. “There is no one righteous, not even one”.
As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one”
–Romans 3:10-12 (NIV)
When we read about Judas, we think that we would never do what he did. How could he betray Jesus? His sin is so much greater than mine! He betrayed Jesus and is responsible for his death. Judas was following Jesus and sinning the entire time by stealing money. It is no wonder that Satan could so easily enter him. We go to church on Sundays, and then what? On the other 6 days, are we gossiping? Or, even slandering other people? Are we eating pizza and binge watching our favorite show? Are we indulging? Are we too concerned about material things and buying the latest shoes, clothes or watches? Are we mildly bragging on social media and saying that we are #blessed? Does that mean that Satan can slip into our hearts and minds just as easily as he did into Judas? “There is no one righteous, not even one”. Jesus died on the cross to forgive all our sins. Each one of us is a sinner. When we believe in Jesus, he takes this burden from us. All we have to do is confess our sins to God and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior that died on the cross and was resurrected. God is waiting for each of us to seek him.
This song was on my heart to share. The lyrics have been echoing in my head all morning, especially the line, “Our God has robbed the grave.” The name of the song is “Resurrecting” by Elevation Worship.
Embrace This Beautiful Life 