Pandemic Tip #10

April 3, 2020

In this time of desperation we need each other. Relationships are one key to emotional health. Unfortunately not all relationships are healthy.

One such glaring relationship is found between Jesus and Judas Iscariot. It’s hard to think that the Christ, one who never sinned, would have an unhealthy relationship with someone close to Him. But let’s take a look at it.

Judas Iscariot was hand-picked by Jesus to be one of the Twelve Disciples, His inner circle (Mark 3:19). Judas was the treasure for the group and is recorded to having been a “thief.” John 12:6 reads, “Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.” [NLT]

He is probably best known for betraying Jesus. The Bible does not tell us his motivation for such a dastardly deed. But it does seem cruel to betray a close friend (Psalm 41:9). Judas had invested three years into following Jesus. Judas listened to everything Jesus taught and watched every miracle. Jesus even washed his feet at the “Last Supper.” John 13:27 notes Satan entered Judas after he had eaten the bread (Eucharist, communion, Lord’s Supper). But Jesus already knew Judas’ future was bad, very bad. (John 6:70 – 71)

What happened to him? I’m glad you asked!!!

A clue might be found in John 13:2 which tells us, “It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.” [NLT] The word translated “prompted” is the Greek word βάλλω (ballō) which means “to throw.” This throwing action carries with it the idea of being violent and intense.

Despite following Jesus, Judas had a character flaw and the tendency to steal. This love of money became the wedge between him and God. At a critical moment in John 12, he was angry at losing a chance to gain more. Thus Satan had an opportunity to violently invade Judas’ soul. In fact, Luke 22:3 claims, “Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples.”

Judas had a pattern of sin in his life that left the door open for Satan to violently invade his decision making process at a critical moment. This destroyed what should have been Judas’ most critical relationship.

I am suggesting this is still a pattern, one of Satan's schemes. We give the devil critical space in our life with desire and behavior. Thus, we are prompted to say or do something cruel at a critical moment. I have watched this pattern repeat countless times in believer's lives.... and cried.

Call it a “stronghold” from which to operate (2 Corinthians 10:4). This space can betray us at a critical moment causing us to destroy a relationship or someone we love. Judas traded three years and the Messiah for 30 pieces of silver. A token price paid for a slave. This was a fulfillment of prophecy (Zechariah 11:12 -- 14).

Watch out. In this trying time of “lock down” and “social distancing” there will be a lot of opportunity for Satan to grab something in your life and cause you to damage the ones you love. Then again, maybe this is just exposing something unhealthy that needs to be corrected.

"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." [1 Peter 5:8 NLT]