(John 11:45-53) Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what He had done, believed in Him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them the things which Jesus had done. 47 Therefore the chief priests and the Pharisees convened a council, and were saying, “What are we doing? For this man is performing many signs. 48 If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.” 51 Now he did not say this on his own initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they planned together to kill Him.
As it got closer to the time, the spiritual leaders grew more and more intent on killing Jesus...
(Matthew 26:1-5) When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples, 2 “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion.”
3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, named Caiaphas; 4 and they plotted together to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him. 5 But they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise a riot might occur among the people.”
God also allowed Judas Iscariot to be one of the twelve disciples, knowing full well that he would betray Jesus.
On one occasion, after teaching the people that He was the Bread of life from heaven, some of his own disciples had issues with these claims. Jesus mentioned that not all of the disciples were believers, and even one of the twelve was a devil...
(John 6:60-71) Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, “Does this cause you to stumble? 62 What then if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. 65 And He was saying, “For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.”
66 As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” 68 Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. 69 We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?” 71 Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him.
Out of all four gospels describing this particular event, Luke is the only one to mention that Satan entered Judas Iscariot. This "possession" was not permanent though...
(Luke 22:3-6) And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve. 4 And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. 5 They were glad and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented, and began seeking a good opportunity to betray Him to them apart from the crowd.
Jesus knew the time was fast approaching, and so Satan was influencing Judas towards the betrayal.
The book of John now mentions that Satan had possessed Judas...
(John 13:1-18) Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 2 During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, 4 got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself.
5 Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6 So He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?”7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” 8 Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” 9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” 10 Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12 So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. 18 I do not speak of all of you. I know the ones I have chosen; but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’
The book of John continues to explain that Jesus (having always known it would be Judas who was going to betray Him) now mentioned this to the disciples. Satan then entered and influenced Judas again...
(John 13:21-30) When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me.” 22 The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. 23 There was reclining on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 So Simon Peter gestured to him, and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.” 25 He, leaning back thus on Jesus’ bosom, said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus then answered, “That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.” So when He had dipped the morsel, He took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 After the morsel, Satan then entered into him. Therefore Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one of those reclining at the table knew for what purpose He had said this to him. 29 For some were supposing, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, “Buy the things we have need of for the feast”; or else, that he should give something to the poor. 30 So after receiving the morsel he went out immediately; and it was night.
Jesus knew the exact moment when Judas would come to betray Him. And when Peter tried to protect them all with a sword, Jesus told him to stop, because the prophecies written in the scriptures had to be fulfilled...
(Matthew 26:45-54) Then He came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”
47 While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” 49 Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.
51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear.52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?”Once the deed was actually done, (and Satan would have been finished "using" him) Judas felt guilty, but he never sought out forgiveness. Instead, he allowed the feelings of hopelessness take over his actions...
(Matthew 27:3-5) Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? See to that yourself!” 5 And he threw the pieces of silver into the temple sanctuary and departed; and he went away and hanged himself.
Jesus had submitted to God's will, and allowed the evil deeds to be done, which ultimately led Him to the cross and then to victory over sin...
(Luke 22:52-53) Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a robber? 53 While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but this hour and the power of darkness are yours.”
Jesus has the authority over the angels and demons, but allowed the demons to carry out certain tasks which helped lead Him to accomplishing God's will.
While on the cross, when Jesus took on every sin onto Himself, God had to look away. Because God is holy, He cannot be a part of sin and cannot look on sin.
And, it is very important to know this - no one killed Jesus. Even though it was Satan's desire to kill Jesus and do away with Him, Satan was not to have the victory or even the brief satisfaction. The victory belongs to Jesus!
Jesus willingly gave up His spirit (and after three days Jesus rose again)...
(Matthew 27:45-54) Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 47 And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, began saying, “This man is calling for Elijah.” 48 Immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink. 49 But the rest of them said, “Let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many. 54 Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
From this we see:
- while still being in control, God allows evil (John 6:64)
- Jesus knew that Judas Iscariot was not a believer and would never be one (John 6:64)
- Jesus gave Judas Iscariot (and Satan) permission to betray Him (John 13:27)
- Jesus knew that Judas Iscariot was going to betray Him (John 13:11, 18, 26)
- Jesus knowing that Judas Iscariot would betray Him, told the twelve disciples that one of them was not only not a believer, but was a devil (John 6:70-71)
- Satan (temporarily) entered Judas, who then went to the spiritual leaders to help in their plot against Jesus (Luke 22:3-4)
- Satan had entered Judas Iscariot's heart and was influencing his actions (John 13:2)
- Satan entered Judas Iscariot again and influenced his actions (John 13:27)
- Jesus could have asked God to send more than twelve legions of angels, but Jesus remained in God's will in order to accomplish what He had come to do. A legion was an ancient Roman army unit of 3,000 to 6,000 soldiers. Or Jesus could have just meant a vast multitude of angels (Matthew 26:53)
- for a brief moment, the power of darkness thought they had the victory (Luke 22:53)
Personal experience: as a mother of two children, there was a moment when the children seemed to be running things, until I realized - hey, I'm the parent here, and obviously they will not learn on their own. Both my husband and I had a responsibility to teach and lead them. And (while hubby was at work) I needed to discipline them when required, otherwise our home would not be peaceful.
So, when a situation arose and I could overhear what was going on, I knew what I had to do.
I went to them to lay down the law, so they could both clearly understand what was expected. And then I waited. I mean, I actually literally stood there waiting for them to blatantly, defiantly disobey. Because I just knew that it was going to happen, and I knew exactly which child would disobey.
Of course, I was right there in case anything did happen. It was not like I was going to allow things to go too far or get out of hand. No one was going to get hurt under my watch. But the culprit was going to get caught.
It didn't take long, and after less than a minute, I witnessed the crime. Then - all said very calmly with love - "Okay now - let's go - it's time for some discipline... So, what did Mommy say? And what did you do?" Then came the stern teaching moment and the appropriate consequences - because I love them!
The child learned what was inappropriate and that there are consequences to their defiant behavior. And it made them think again the next time they were in a similar situation.
I had allowed the "evil" in order to accomplish what needed to be done.
Today's takeaway: this would be kind of similar to how God allows evil in order to accomplish His will. As well as how God allows bad things to happen to us in order to either discipline us or allow us to be tested and grow stronger in faith and in His strength.
We might not always understand why. And that's okay. I recently came across some notes I had taken during a church sermon which really is applicable:
...If you cannot understand God's purpose, focus on God's presence...
(Proverbs 16:1-33) The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives.
3 Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.
4 The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; assuredly, he will not be unpunished.
6 By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil.
7 When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.
9 The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
10 A divine decision is in the lips of the king; his mouth should not err in judgment.
11 A just balance and scales belong to the Lord; all the weights of the bag are His concern.
12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, for a throne is established on righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and he who speaks right is loved.
14 The fury of a king is like messengers of death, but a wise man will appease it.
15 In the light of a king’s face is life, and his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain.
16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who watches his way preserves his life.
18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.
19 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
21 The wise in heart will be called understanding, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the discipline of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
26 A worker’s appetite works for him, for his hunger urges him on.
27 A worthless man digs up evil, while his words are like scorching fire.
28 A perverse man spreads strife, and a slanderer separates intimate friends.
29 A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.
30 He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things; he who compresses his lips brings evil to pass.
31 A gray head is a crown of glory; it is found in the way of righteousness.
32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives.
3 Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.
4 The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; assuredly, he will not be unpunished.
6 By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil.
7 When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.
9 The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
10 A divine decision is in the lips of the king; his mouth should not err in judgment.
11 A just balance and scales belong to the Lord; all the weights of the bag are His concern.
12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, for a throne is established on righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and he who speaks right is loved.
14 The fury of a king is like messengers of death, but a wise man will appease it.
15 In the light of a king’s face is life, and his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain.
16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who watches his way preserves his life.
18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.
19 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
21 The wise in heart will be called understanding, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the discipline of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
26 A worker’s appetite works for him, for his hunger urges him on.
27 A worthless man digs up evil, while his words are like scorching fire.
28 A perverse man spreads strife, and a slanderer separates intimate friends.
29 A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.
30 He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things; he who compresses his lips brings evil to pass.
31 A gray head is a crown of glory; it is found in the way of righteousness.
32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
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