March 27th - Luke 22:3–5

Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. I don’t know about you, but I find these words almost too hard to read. Knowing how wise, good and loving Jesus was, how could anyone betray him? And Judas Iscariot wasn’t just anyone. He had been one of Jesus’ disciples for nearly three years. He had heard his teaching and, time and again, had seen him perform the most incredible miracles. How could he possibly conspire with those who wanted to kill Jesus? Luke tells us that Satan entered into Judas. No one knows exactly what was going on in Judas’ mind. Perhaps he was tempted by the money. Or he may have become disillusioned with Jesus because things weren’t working out in the way that he had expected and wanted. We just don’t know. What we do know is that he gave Satan’s temptations house room. He allowed the evil one to direct his actions. In Peter’s first letter he described the way in which Satan prowls around like a roaring lion looking for victims to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Peter encouraged his readers to watch out and to take a firm stand against him. In this most holy of weeks we confront love in the most amazing way as we see Jesus’ willingness to die on the cross for us. But we also face up to the horrifying reality of evil, and we need to listen carefully to Peter’s words. Satan continues to prowl around; we need to be alert and stand firmly against him. Question In what way do you see Satan prowling around today? Prayer Loving Father, thank you that you give me the strength to stand up to all of Satan’s tricks. Amen