PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: John 13:18-30
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.” (John 13:27)
Judas has been struggling; should he stick with this lame messiah?
The Pharisees have made an offer: betray Jesus for gold.
Judas is conflicted, until Jesus acts like a lowly servant, washing their feet.
He is supposed to be a mighty warrior, not a lame door mat.
Then Jesus all but calls him out, speaking about a betrayer in their midst.
Satan takes this opportunity to push Judas as hard as he can.
All the reasons to leave Jesus flood through Judas’s mind.
And his defenses crumble… he gives in to Satan’s lies.
He opens his heart to his negative thinking, and Satan steps in.
Jesus wants to be Lord in our hearts, but Satan does too.
Where are Satan’s negative thoughts weakening my defenses?
Satan wants to bring me down; am I aware of his schemes?
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)
PRAYER
Lord, remind me how the enemy works, not to frighten me but to equip me. Remind me that as long as you are in me, Satan cannot be.
Why didn’t the disciples understand what was happening? Were their hearts clouded to the reality of the betrayal because it wasn’t time yet for them to act? Satan entered Judas after Jesus had given him the bread – even Satan knew to wait in his place in the plan the Lord had made.
I remember well my Mother’s pent up anger and emotion for the NSB’rs – the traitors. Literally, they were neighbours sometimes even friends that “shared my bread has turned[a] against me.’[b]” Sometimes we put faith in key officials or in technology or in the skill of a physician – but by itself it would be risky – Satan can use them too to deceive us. God can work through people and technology to bring about the solution or answer we are looking for – but we should not depend on them alone. Bathe everything in prayer and ask the HS to help discern. Lord, help me see and discern where the evil one is plotting to deceive me. Keep me on the right path I pray!