Judas' Apostasy in Light of God's FaithfulnessSample

The apostasy of Judas allowed Satan access

Luke 22:3-4: “Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.”

John 13:27: “As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.”

Satan entered Judas by the permission of the Father, Son, and Spirit.

Christians generally believe that nothing can touch us apart from the permissive will of God. Think of Job. Jesus didn't send Satan to Judas, but to fulfill scripture and His goal of sacrificing Himself for all mankind, He allowed Satan to enter Judas, who already had doubts about following Jesus.

Matthew 27:3-5: “When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.”

Acts 1:25: “Judas left to go where he belongs.”

We need to be so careful to not give Satan access into our lives. Ephesians 5:27 says “do not give the devil a foothold.”

Judas could have still returned to Jesus, but he did not repent. He only had remorse. Peter sinned horribly by betraying Jesus 3 times after swearing that he would never leave Jesus, even if everyone else did. But when Jesus looked straight at him in the courtyard (Luke 22:61), Peter went out and wept bitterly – and repented. Jesus restored him to fellowship after His resurrection in John 21, while preparing a meal of fish for His disciples.

Reflection: Are we keeping our eyes on Jesus, so that we do not become discouraged and give up (Hebrews 12:1-3), or are we careless with our lives – toying with worldly values, and giving the enemy of our souls a foothold?