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The deadly and insidious work of Satan

Text: John 13 : 21 - 38

THE DEADLY AND INSIDIOUS WORK OF SATAN

It is right and wise to focus on the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus. It is unhealthy and unwise to focus on His enemies and the problems they sought to create for Him. It is so refreshing to dwell on the Person of the Lord Jesus each time we read the Scriptures.

However, from time to time, we need to give some attention to the deadly work of the Devil. While we do not want to focus on him, nevertheless it is wise for us to know about the way he worked in the hearts of men.

John noted Satan’s involvement in the life of Judas Iscariot. He wrote,

“Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him.”
John 13:27

What did John mean when he spoke of Satan entering Judas? What implications are to be found in this statement?

THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS BY THE DEVIL

We are all quite familiar with the Devil appearing before Jesus while He was in the wilderness fasting and praying. Satan stood as an Adversary against Jesus, seeking to cause Him to sin if possible. Of course he failed miserably! He fled when Jesus withstood Him, employing the Word of God mightily!

PEOPLE POSSESSED BY DEMONS

John refrained from describing the ministry of Jesus casting out demons. The synoptic Gospels however recorded many incidents when Jesus had to cast out demons from people. Let us take a look at the brief mention that Mark wrote concerning this aspect of Jesus’ ministry.

“At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him
all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed…
Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases,
and cast out many demons…”
Mark 1:32, 34

THE SPECIAL WORK OF SATAN IN THE LIFE OF JUDAS

There is no doubt whatsoever that John believed that Satan was directly and personally involved in the dastardly work of betraying Jesus! Satan was probably knocking at the door of Judas long before this. This was no hostile takeover, as in the case of a person who was demon-possessed.

Judas did not display unusual or bizarre behaviour often associated with those who are possessed. The traitor appeared to be in control of himself and behaved so normally that his fellow-disciples did not know that he was about to leave their company to betray their Master!

It is interesting to note that Luke also wrote similar words concerning Satan’s work in the life of Judas. He wrote,

“Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot,
who was numbered among the twelve.
So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests
and captains, how he might betray Him to them.
And they were glad, and agreed to give him money.
So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them
in the absence of the multitude.”
Luke 22:3-6

THE QUIET DISMISSAL OF JUDAS

John went on to describe how Jesus gently dismissed Judas from the fellowship of The Twelve.

“Then Jesus said to him, ‘What you do, do quickly.'”
John 13:27

The die had been cast. Judas had not resisted Satan. Had he turned to Jesus for help, he would have been delivered. But no, he had made up his mind that he would betray Jesus. He had already agreed to betray Jesus with the chief priests. Satan apparently moved in and out of Judas’ heart at will, probably by the consent of this unregenerate man who had pretended to be a disciple and had managed to deceive almost everybody for three long years!

What remained now was to simply let Judas go. Jesus knew exactly what Judas would do next. He might as well get the deed over and done with. With these words, He effectively dismissed Judas as His disciple! The next time he met Jesus it would be as an enemy who would lead soldiers to arrest Jesus!

THE NAIVE IGNORANCE OF THE DISCIPLES

The Disciples of Jesus appeared unconcerned with what Jesus said to Judas. Right to the very end, they appeared to be ignorant of the wickedness of Judas. John noted this naivete of the Disciples.

“But no one at the table knew for what reason
He said this to him. For some thought, because
Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him,
‘Buy those things we need for the feast.’
Or that he should give something to the poor.
Having received the piece of bread,
he then went out immediately. And it was night.”
John 13:28-30

Mercifully, the other Disciples did not know that Judas had gone out to lead a band of soldiers to arrest Jesus. In their love for Jesus, there was no telling what they would do to Judas, if they had known! Could you ever imagine yourself betraying Jesus?