Passion Week Devotional - Wednesday - Luke 22:1-6
Luke 22:1-6 (NIV)
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.
Out of sight and away from public scrutiny, the most treacherous betrayal of trust in history was conceived. We are given insights into the machinations of the conspirators—their motivations and inner thoughts. The religious leaders wanted to get rid of Jesus. He was popular with the people, bringing healing to many and offering fresh teaching about God's kingdom through His words and deeds. However, to the religious elite, Jesus was a provocation. He exposed their hypocrisy and evaded all their previous attempts to control and silence Him.
In this account, we see that Satan influences Judas, and the text says Satan enters him. His thoughts become captivated by a desire to deliver Jesus to the priests. This probably wasn’t the first time Judas had such thoughts. He would have observed the power stand-offs between Jesus and the religious leaders. He would have seen an opportunity to switch sides and influence a time and place with minimal risk for the aggressors—when Jesus could be overcome by force. The promise of money sealed the deal. We know that a kiss from a dark heart was the sign of identification on a dark night.
The Bible gives us the whole story. We see how people conspire together to harm others. We all know the experience of group pressure and how we can be tempted to act against our conscience when it seems expedient and free from reprisals. Another temptation is to say and do nothing when we could stand up to oppression. Satan seizes opportunities to prompt us to sin. But God says there is always a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13)—a choice we can make. Judas had time to change his mind, but he did not.
Let us recognise the times when tempting thoughts are swirling around in our minds.
Do we cave in to moral compromise in certain social situations?
Let us stop these thoughts by bringing them into the light. Confess these temptations to God—and, if they persist, to a trusted Christian—and ask for prayer for deliverance. Jesus took upon Himself all the agony of betrayal, having a close companion turn against Him. This led to His arrest, trial, and death. Surely He has borne our sin.
“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” Isaiah 53:7 (NIVUK)
· Are there situations in your life right now where you feel tempted to go along with something you know isn’t right—just because it seems easier or safer?
· What would it look like for you to “bring tempting thoughts into the light” this week—either by praying honestly about them or sharing with a trusted Christian friend?
Today’s devotional was written by Jacqui Webber-Gant.