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Day 275

Luke 22 : 1- 20 "THE PLOT AGAINST JESUS"

Day 275 – Luke 22

Text: Luke 22 : 1- 20

THE PLOT AGAINST JESUS

As the Disciples busied themselves in the preparation of the celebration of the Passover, the enemies of Jesus busied themselves, trying to figure out how they might dispose of Him.

“And the chief priests and the scribes
sought how they might kill Him,
for they feared the people…”
Luke 22:2

Millions of people had flocked to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Jesus proved to be a powerful speaker. Crowds would gather at the Temple every morning to hear Him speak.

The Jews were envious at Jesus’ popularity. They were also angry that He had spoken against them so publicly. They had been shamed by Jesus in public debates! He had shown them down. They were shown to be hypocrites!

They did not dare to arrest Jesus in the open. The huge crowds who listened to Jesus would not have allowed them to harm Him. They feared the crowds, many of whom were pilgrims, who were drawn to Jesus and his teachings!

A RECORD OF HATE-FILLED PLOTS

Luke records for us the fact that the Jews had begun plotting against Jesus for a long time now.

“But they were filled with rage,
and discussed with one another
what they might do to Jesus.”
Luke 6:11

Right from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, the Jews were filled with hatred. Their rage against Jesus was the tell-tale sign of the depth of hatred they felt in their hearts!

“And as He said these things to them,
the scribes and the Pharisees began
to assail Him vehemently,
and to cross-examine Him about many things,
lying in wait for Him, and seeking to catch Him
in something that He might say,
that they might accuse Him.”
Luke 11:53-54

The Jews had tried every trick they knew. They assailed Jesus vehemently. They cross-examined Him. They lay in wait for Him. But all their efforts had proven fruitless.

“And He was teaching daily in the Temple.
But the chief priests, the scribes,
And the leaders of the people sought
To destroy Him,
And were unable to do anything;
For all the people were very attentive to hear Him.”
Luke 19:47-48

As their hatred grew, the Jews became obsessed with the thought of destroying Jesus! Their frustration in not being able to succeed only fanned their hatred!

“And the chief priests and the scribes
that very hour sought to lay hands on Him,
but they feared the people –
for they knew He had spoken
this parable against them.
So they watched Him, and sent spies
Who pretended to be righteous,
That they might seize on His words,
In order to deliver Him to the power
And the authority of the governor.”
Luke 20:19-20

Their plots became deeper and deeper. They spied on Jesus. They sent people who pretended to be righteous to see Jesus! Their hidden agenda was obvious to Jesus!

SATAN’S HAND OF INVOLVEMENT

When people are so filled with anger and hatred, they only invite Satan’s greater involvement! Satan had tried his hand against Jesus, but he had failed miserably.

He tried to tempt Jesus, but went away soundly defeated! His demons had also failed. No demon, not even a legion of demons proved a challenge! They were all cast out by a single word from Jesus!

Suddenly, an opportunity provided itself. Judas Iscariot, one of The Twelve offered to betray Jesus. We read the following sad commentary!

“Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot,
who was numbered among the Twelve.”
Luke 22:3

The Jews, Judas Iscariot and Satan – what a combination! How we must guard ourselves from being used by Satan! How we must guard our hearts from anger and hatred!