Luke 22:1 – 6 Satan Takes Possession

Luke 22:1 – 6 Satan Takes Possession

Now the feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, 2 was drawing near, and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking a way to put him to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas, 3 the one surnamed Iscariot, who was counted among the Twelve, and he went to the chief priests and temple guards to discuss a plan for handing him over to them. They were pleased and agreed to pay him money. He accepted their offer and sought a favorable opportunity to hand him over to them in the absence of a crowd.

The hour is finally upon them. The high priests and scribes have been looking for a way to bring about Jesus’ downfall and finally they have found it, or I should say - him. Judas - the name that will live in infamy and become synonymous with “betrayer”. How did this happen? Luke says that “Satan took possession” of Judas. What does that mean? As Christians we believe Christ is close by us at all times, in reach of our thoughts and our prayers. Ready to strengthen us, to steady us, to comfort us, if only we believe in him and call on him. According to this scripture, Satan is also close by, waiting for an opportunity to exploit our doubts, our fears, and our weaknesses. Ready to “take possession” and lead us into sin. Of course I do not like to think about Satan, his existence and his plans. But forewarned as they say is forearmed. Perhaps the phrases "Lead us not into Temptation" and "Deliver us from Evil" from the Lord's Prayer are Jesus' tacit way of warning us about this without making too much of Satan and adding to his pride.