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Day 90 Luke 22:1 Luke 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. 3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. 4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. 5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. 6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude. Everything you do in life needs planning. Whether good or bad, it needs a plan of execution. The chief priests and scribes wanted Jesus dead. However, they couldn’t find a safe way to do it, until Judas came along and offered to betray Jesus to them and offered him money for his services. Judas was one of the twelve disciples. His distinction among the disciples was treasurer – he held the money bag. In this brief passage you see a hint that he wasn’t happy with the way things were going, and with Satan’s help, stirred the pot against Jesus, and brought favor on himself from the chief priests and scribes. After making the covenant with the chief priests and scribes, Judas needed to find an opportune time to hand Jesus over to them, preferably away from the crowds. As Christians, you know the story of Judas’ betrayal and how he worked against Jesus to hand him over to the chief priests and rulers of the synagogue. We tend to overlook the fact Satan entered Judas to cause the betrayal. From the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, when Satan caused Adam and Eve to sin, God told Satan the day would come when God promised the Seed of the woman would bruise his head, while he would only bruise the Seed’s heel. Genesis 3:14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (KJV) You know the Seed is Jesus Christ, and in his death, he would crush Satan, while Satan would only bruise Jesus, but not eliminate him. With Jesus’ death and resurrection, the gospel of Jesus Christ has gone around the world. Satan still goes around as a roaring lion trying to steal away Christians who gave their lives to Jesus. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. Peter was familiar with Satan’s purpose, because Satan also worked his will with Peter when he denied Jesus. Yet, Peter had a contrite heart and Jesus forgave him. So, the stage is set, the money given, and the opportunity sought for Judas to betray Jesus to the Sanhedrin. Satan’s plan is coming together in Judas. As Christians, you need to be careful what you entertain, or you might find Satan controlling your actions, instead of God. The plans you entertain would please Satan and bring about bad consequences for you. Satan is a roaring lion, seeking to devour you. Don’t let him. Keep your mind and heart focused on God and his purpose for you. Let’s pray: Father, thank you for showing me Satan’s plans. Help me remain faithful in you, so I can defeat Satan’s plans. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 20 November 2018 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay