Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.
The text tells us that “Satan entered into him.” What did that feel like? Was Judas suddenly filled with a sense of importance? Did Satan play on Judas’ emotions? Did he twist Judas’ reasoning? John doesn’t record any words Judas might have said, so it appears he kept his mouth shut and left.
Once outside, Judas would have been alone with his thoughts. Filled with Satan, his thoughts would have been influenced by the Evil One. He had already made a deal with the Pharisees who were now technically dealing with Satan! Judas, filled with Satan, made his way to where he was to meet the Pharisees.
John’s gospel doesn’t tell us what happened to Judas after he betrays Jesus. Matthew’s gospel does. Matthew writes:
When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. ”I have sinned,” he said, ”for I have betrayed innocent blood.” (Matthew 27: 3-4)
After Jesus is in the hands of the Pharisees, his death is sealed. Judas is no longer needed. The Bible doesn’t tell us when Satan left Judas but it is obvious that Satan is done with him. (It also seems unlikely that Judas would be seized with remorse if Satan were still in him.)
Satan is a user. Judas opened the door to him and allowed him in. Satan came in and took over, using Judas for his own evil plan to kill Jesus. Afterward, he discarded Judas like an old rag.
Let’s Discuss: How can we avoid being used by Satan?
Walk by the Spirit. Only through God’s power and in obedience can we be protected from the evil one.
Thanks Nathan.
Well said. The danger is real, but so is our God! He is risen! 🙂
I agree with Nathan’s thoughts. If we submit to God and walk in the Spirit we are leaving no room for the evil one to work. We must submit to God (through the Holy Spirit), resist the enemy and stand firm in our faith through all that the Lord provides (Ephesians 6: 10 – 18).
Rich,
Thank you! “Leaving no room for the evil one to work” takes us back to the “Nose of the Camel” post a few days ago. It is important that we allow the God of the universe in. We start by accepting His Son, Jesus. Then as He fills us there is no room for evil.
I was drawn also to Ephesians and what Rich has shared, but I’m also reminded of Chapters 4:22-27 due to recent circumstances:
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” – Ephesians 4:22-27
My personal struggle pertains heavily to guarding against deceitful lust, but I am amazed at how often I fall prey to the enemy working in others because they have given place for the devil, specifically where their anger allows for the foothold.
When you combine this understanding with the scriptures that Rich has shared (concerning spiritual warfare and principalities), I believe we can experience coordinated attacks from the enemy working through others in this fashion.
I can very clearly see where Satan is given foothold in our lives through our anger. I think this is one place that we can be aware of at least, but there are many.
NMOP3PISdn
You are quite right. Satan is always looking for an opening. Praise God that he gives us his Spirit to teach us and guide us.