ZPCBlog

About the author: Lucas lives in Carmel and has been attending ZPC since 2020 with his wife Beth. They have four kids (ages 1-10). Lucas and Beth have previously helped out in child-care, hospitality, and Home Group ministries. Lucas now serves as a Deacon contributing to the Bereavement Team. 

Luke 22:1-6

Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 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.

Devotional

The idea of a Peter, who denies Jesus three times, is often painful enough. We as Christians cringe at the thought of such an action. We too would "weep bitterly" if (or when) we find ourselves in the same situation. Through teaching and study, we often place ourselves in Peter's shoes just to show ourselves how easy it is to deny we know Jesus. We then see Peter's restoration, providing an example of Jesus' love and the redemption he offers.

The idea of a Judas is much more alarming. He goes beyond denial, all the way to betrayal. While Peter had done some regrettable things in the moment, Judas' betrayal feels more slow and deliberate. He was a follower of Jesus, one of the original twelve. He had witnessed miracles and heard Jesus' teaching for three years. Then, Luke simply says that "Satan entered Judas." Just like that, in the matter of a single sentence, a man goes from disciple to villain. All it took was some priests who wished to quietly dispose of Jesus and 30 pieces of silver.

As followers of Christ, we are less willing to accept our similarities with Judas. I can more easily see myself as someone who'd cut off an ear defending Jesus (then make a poor, impulsive decision) than someone who'd condemn myself for a bag of money. Yet, Tim Keller once posited "you may not be Judas through and through, but we've all got a little Judas in us." This is because the temptation to do evil is persistent in this fallen world. 

We can be hopeful though. Jesus knew temptations would be great when he taught us to pray: lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. He knew that we were susceptible to sin. Sometimes we're like Peter, who was scared and weak in the moment. As we grow, we build up faith and relationship with Jesus to avoid making Judas-level mistakes. However, it is always possible to become complacent and provide evil with a way into our lives, our church, and our community. 

Prayer

Lord,
We acknowledge the temptation toward sin is powerful and that the impact of that sin on the Church is great. We desire to not let evil in and are grateful for your love in the face of such temptations. Please help us to see that your eternal love is greater than a mere bag of silver, or whatever other worldly goods we desire. During this week, we are reminded again of the debt that you paid and what that means for us. You are the good and only path from a life of pain and suffering.
In your name,
Amen.

Share