For two weeks now I could not get the betrayal of Jesus by Judas out of my mind. It felt as if the Holy Spirit had something to teach me about betrayal in general. Betrayal often or always happens in the context of friendship or close relationship but it is not normal. I mean, more is involved whenever someone betrays someone else.
Luke 22:3, “Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the twelve.”
It is important to note that the verse starts with the particle “then” which links it to the preceding verses. It helps us understand why Satan entered Judas. We read in Luke 23:1, 2 that the chief priests and teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus (kill Jesus), for they were afraid of the people.
In other words, they wanted to get rid of Jesus but they were afraid of the people, just as fear of what people would say or think about you keeps you from acting foolish…. The fear of the people restrained their actions as to prompt Satan to take the matter in his own hands: He entered Judas. You need to understand that the betrayal of Jesus by Judas was not normal in the sense of Judas acting on his own initiative. It was spiritual with Satan in control.
Ephesians 2:1-2 comes to mind: “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the Spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.”
Please note that this passage reveals that the Spirit who is here described as “the ruler of the kingdom of the air” is at work (active) in those who are disobedient. In other words, this “Spirit” entered them to make them disobedient or evil rebellious.
Those who are disobedient have no fear of God and of the destructive consequences of their actions in them because Satan is at work in them, they are not free! It means that the way someone behaves consistently indicates his or her spiritual condition as in bondage to Satan, or not.
It is not normal when a friend betrays a friend. It is not normal when parents neglect their children. It is not normal when a human being plots to kill a fellow human being. It is not normal when a husband constantly abuses his wife or vice versa. It is not normal when a married man or woman engages in extra marital affairs as lifestyle…..
I noticed that what started for me as a lesson on betrayal in general was the Holy Spirit’s introduction to the question of evil in the world. Satan enters people through their weaknesses to make them carry out his wicked plan of stealing, killing, and destroying. Sadly, however, he uses them and destroys them in the process.
Evil in the world (family, marriage, work, business, country, and continent) is a spiritual problem that can be overcome only spiritually through Jesus Christ. He is the only one who conquered Satan and can, therefore, deliver from the grip of evil in whatever form it manifests.
To God the glory!
