Holy Week- Wednesday: Luke 22:2-6

And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. 4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd. Luke 22:2–6 (ESV)

If this were a movie scene, it is likely there would be subdued lighting and sinister music playing in the background. Judas was a thief (John 12:6), and whether acting out of greed or some other motive, he deliberately chose to betray Jesus and sought out the Jewish leaders to do so. For their part, they were afraid to go after Jesus directly, fearing the people more than they feared God. Satan, the Jewish leaders, and Judas all thought this was a clever way to get rid of Jesus. They will soon learn, though, that God used this betrayal to further His own plans, not theirs. Judas allowed his heart to be influenced by Satan and pursued his own agenda instead of trusting in Christ. What small compromises or unchecked desires in your own life could be opening the door to sin, and how can you guard your heart against them today?

Author: Jerry Caldwell, Elder