Satan entered Judas
Scripture reading for April 2: Luke 22
“Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priest 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. 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 22:1-6
If our world view does not give any credence to the spirit world, we lack the discernment of spirits needed to avoid deception. In the natural world, many people believe in Satan and demons and understand that they cause evil. Some have experienced Satan entering them or someone they know and seen the tragic results. Believers in Jesus have God’s Word that explains the clash of the spiritual kingdom of darkness and death with the Spirit of God and Life. We are wrestling against these wicked spiritual entities as we preach the Gospel and are used in spiritual Gifts of healing and deliverance. We recognize that evil, sickness, disease, confusion, strife and hatred are indications of Satan’s work and possible indwelling.
As Jesus was preparing for the Passover with His disciples, Judas Iscariot left the company of disciples and invited Satan to indwell him. We are not told exactly how this happened in Scripture. Judas was the keeper of Jesus’ money bag and had been taking for himself. Judas had participated in the ministry by going out and healing and casting out devils. Judas was not implicated by other disciples when Jesus announced His betrayal at the meal. Judas betrayed his Master by going to the chief priests and bargaining for a price of betrayal. Judas would be directly confronted by Jesus at the Last Supper about his betrayal. (Luke 22:22-23) His tragic end was taking his own life without evident repentance.
How would you rate your understanding of the spirit world and Satan’s power to enter someone? Have you ever experienced Satan’s enticement to evil? What are some steps to preventing Satan from entering you or your family?
Prayer: Father God, I thank You that You are a good Father and a Life-giver and that You are love. Thank You for delivering me from Satan’s grip through the Gospel. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me daily in discernment of spirits and resisting the devil that he would flee from me and my family. Amen.
Standing before Jesus
Scripture reading for April 1: Luke 21
“So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will not pass away. But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may be able to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:31-36
Jesus was preparing His disciples for His soon departure and their need to trust in His never-changing Word. The heavens and earth would ultimately pass away in the coming judgment. As the day of Christ approached, care and watchfulness should mark the lives of disciples. They would be prepared because they believed God’s Word and understood the signs that had been foretold by Jesus and the prophets. Believers would not allow their hearts to be seduced by false teaching or the cares of this life. They would be in prayer and communion with their Lord awaiting His return and doing His will of spreading the Gospel and living a life that reflected His love and care.
This verse in Luke’s Gospel is foundational for our biblical world view. If we allow, our senses and our old sin nature will lead us to deception and lull us to drowsiness and cause our downfall. We must renew our minds with the Truth in the eternal Word of God each day and pray to God for strength to stand. When we see the signs of wars, famines, earthquakes and love growing cold among former believers, our discernment through the Holy Spirit and Word of God will keep us from the trap that will catch many living without God in their perspective.
As you check your own world view, is it based on the truth that heaven and earth will pass away but God’s Word is eternal? How would you evaluate your load of cares and any addictions or habits that weigh you down? Are there any steps needed to improve your ability to stand before Jesus when He arrives?
Prayer: Father God, it is my desire to stand before You without fear because of trusting in Jesus Christ for mercy and forgiveness. Help me to improve my prayer life and increase my faith as I read and apply Your eternal Word. I stand with You that none should perish but all would be saved and know Truth. Amen.
Pretending to be sincere
Scripture reading for March 31: Luke 20
“The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on Him at that very hour, for they perceived that He had told this parable (of the wicked tenants) against them, but they feared the people. So they watched Him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch Him in something He said, so to deliver Him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. So they asked Him, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” Luke 20:19-22
Jesus had just told a parable about the Pharisees and scribes and chief priests who had questioned His authority to preach the Gospel of the kingdom. They were jealous and were seeking to kill Jesus and He knew their plans. He told the parable of the wicked tenants as a warning about God’s judgment on those who were stewards of God’s people, the very ones seeking His murder. They had enough spiritual perception to understand that this parable was directed at them, but instead of repentance and a change of mind, they ramped up their deception and plot to kill Jesus.
They sent ‘spies’ who ‘pretended to be sincere’ to try and catch Jesus in a sin or treasonous act. These people spoke eloquently of Jesus’ teaching and doctrine and then asked Him a leading question that they were sure would trap Him. “Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” They reasoned that if Jesus answered ‘yes’, He would be condemned by the people and would be a blasphemer. If Jesus answered ‘no’ He would be guilty of treason against Rome. Either way, they could have Him eliminated. But Jesus asked them a question: “Whose inscription and likeness is on the denarius?” They answered, “Caesar’s.” Jesus told them to give Caesar the things belonging to him and to God what belonged to Him.
Has anyone ever plotted against you or sought to trap you through fake sincerity? What things do you do when you ‘pretend to be sincere?’ How does Jesus’ handling of this trap help you deal with those who pretend sincerity towards you? Can you trust God to reveal fake sincerity in others and you?
Prayer: Father God, I invite you to always reveal to me any fake ‘sincerity’ in dealing with You or others. Help me to wisely answer those seeking to entrap me or to twist Your words to justify their attitudes and actions. I want to give to God all glory and praise as He Alone is worthy. Amen.
Jesus loves “Short” people!
Scripture reading for March 28: Luke 19
“And behold there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see Who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd, he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received Him joyfully.” Luke 19:2-6
My mother loved to tell this story about Jesus. She was a short woman and I inherited her stature. This story had impacted her life and she shared it with her children and the Sunday School she helped to lead at our country church. She even had a song she taught to her children that I remember yet today! “Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he!” was the first line!
Zacchaeus was a short person who was also ‘short’ on spiritual stature according to his fellow Jews. He had become a tax collector for the Roman government and was viewed as the lowest of sinners. But Zacchaeus had a desire to know more about this Jesus Who was drawing crowds and healing people. He made a plan to get a view of Jesus by climbing a tree. As Jesus passed by, Jesus looked up and called out to Zacchaeus to come down. Jesus wanted to spend some time with him at his house! Zacchaeus received Him joyfully! This created a real stir among the religious folks and they began to grumble and complain. Zacchaeus stood and announced a change of heart (and stature)! In true repentance, he would restore four times all he had stolen to become rich. He would give half his goods to the poor. Jesus announced to him that “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.” (Luke 19:8-10) It was Jesus mission to seek and save the lost!
Have you ever had a desire to know more about this Man Jesus? What kind of a plan might you make today to get a better understanding of Him? Can you believe that He wants to spend time with you and bring salvation to your house and family?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for my godly mother who faithfully told me and others Your great love for all the “short” people of this world. Use me today to reach out to those who may feel ‘short’ because of rejection, sin and shame, or others judgments. I am receiving You in my house with rejoicing! Amen!
“Son of David”
Scripture reading for March 27: Luke 18
“As He drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he came near, He asked him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And he said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.”” Luke 18:35-41
Jesus always honors faith and Scripture teaches us that without faith, no one can please God. (Hebrews 11:6) As Jesus heads for Jerusalem for His final week on earth, He encounters this blind beggar who is sitting beside the road. This man had to rely on other’s generosity for his support and for description of what was causing a crowd to pass by. Those in the crowd told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. But the crowd’s pronouncement brought forth a shocking response of faith from this seemingly insignificant person.
The blind man cried out with unashamedly, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” This blind man had a revelation of Jesus’ divinity and connected Him with the promise in Scripture of a descendant of David Who would be the Jew’s Messiah and eternal King. (2 Samuel 7:8-13) The crowd tried to silence him but he persisted in his cry for mercy to the Son of David. His cry caught Jesus’ attention and Jesus invited him to come to him. Jesus asked what he wanted from Him, and the request for healing was immediately granted. Jesus responded that his faith had made him well! This caused great praise to God.
Have you ever sought Jesus for healing or help in an impossible situation? Have those you love or know told you to be quiet, your request is impossible? What do you want Jesus to do for you today? What are some insights that help you from this story told by Jesus?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending the “Son of David” as You promised in Your Word. Thank You for taking time to hear a cry for mercy, as I have also cried to You many times. Use me to encourage faith by sharing Your promises and crying out for mercy on behalf of the hurting. Amen.
The day of the Son of Man
Scripture reading for March 26: Luke 17
“Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot–they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all–so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed.” Luke 17:26-30
There is a common view of life that takes for granted that life will go on as usual indefinitely. Life’s common activities, such as eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, and marriage and celebrating are thought to continue because no consideration is given to God the Creator or to the Son of Man, Jesus Christ. But Jesus’ world view was shaped by God’s Word that describes a sudden and abrupt ending of all life’s activities at the arrival of Jesus for judgment.
Jesus used the Scriptures to tell of the days of Noah. Life was going on as usual and Noah was building the ark and warning of a judgment by water. On the day appointed by God, except for Noah’s family and two of each animal, all of earth’s inhabitants and animals perished. (Genesis 7:11-12) Likewise, years later, Abraham’s nephew Lot was warned by God to escape Sodom. He hesitated but gathered his wife and two daughters and began to leave. God sent fire and brimstone and Sodom was destroyed. Lot’s wife looked back and was also destroyed. (Genesis 19:23-26) Jesus said these examples tell how it will be when He is revealed.
Do you tend to take life for granted each day, expecting life to continue on as usual? How does Jesus help us to see life from His perspective? As you think of these Bible stories of Noah and Lot, how do you think you might have responded to Noah’s preaching or Lot’s call to leave Sodom?
Prayer: Father God, I am thankful that you never send judgment unless you warn Your people. In response to Your warning, I have taken refuge in the Son of Man, Jesus Christ. I offer myself to be used to warn others and share this truth of a sudden ending when Jesus returns. Amen.
The great reversal
Scripture reading for March 25: Luke 16
“”There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.”” Luke 10:19-24
The Jews (and modern day people) tended to judge people by their positions and success. If someone was rich and well cared for, they must have God’s favor. Conversely, those that are poor and sick must be under God’s judgment. Jesus, wanting to set their world view in line with the truth, told this parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Both died but where they ended up was shocking to those hearing the story. The sick beggar was taken to Abraham’s side and found comfort and peace awaiting the reward of the righteous. The rich man found himself in Hades in great torment!
Jesus went on to explain that the two departed souls could observe one another in their respective abodes. The rich man, who had ignored the needs of Lazarus on earth called out to ‘Father Abraham’ as a good religious Jew. He simply asked to have Lazarus come and just dip his finger in water to cool his tormented tongue. Father Abraham explained why this great reversal had occurred and how there was now no way to change or help his torment. The rich man had not had mercy on Lazarus and now would reap what he had sowed. God had made it so that part of the torment was to see and understand but not be able to change the final outcome. The rich man pleaded with Father Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his five brothers who were also headed for the place of torment. (Luke 16:27-29)
How does Jesus’ parable cause you to evaluate your own life and attitudes towards the poor and needy God places in your path? Have you ever ignored those in need? How concerned are you with those of your family or friends that are in need of a Gospel message?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for ignoring those around me that have great needs. Help me to be attentive each day to pray and obey as You send me to share Your life-giving Gospel and rescue the lost from eternal torment. Thank You for sending those to warn me and share the saving Gospel. Amen.
Real rejoicing
Scripture reading for March 24: Luke 15
“And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” So He told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:2-7
Religious people of all ages love to make judgments and comparisons. The Pharisees and scribes of Israel looked down their noses at Jesus because He was eating with ‘sinners’ and receiving them into His band of disciples. They thought it scandalous that He would choose to be with them and ‘contaminate’ Himself. But Jesus, wanting to expand their world view, told them a story to help them understand.
Jesus used a story about lost sheep, something very common in that time and culture of Israel. Sheep had value for meat, milk, and wool for clothes. A lost sheep was something of value worth looking for. It was the shepherd’s job and calling to protect his sheep and rescue them if they got lost, trapped, or wounded by a wild animal. We are not told what happened to this sheep, but only that the shepherd left the flock and searched and found this sheep. He carried the sheep home on his shoulders with joy. Upon arrival, he called his friends and neighbors to rejoice with him. The point of this story came last: Heaven rejoices when one sinner who is lost, repents and returns to the fold! Instead of grumbling, those feeling no need of repentance should at least be rejoicing too.
As you examine your own heart, are there those that you judge to be ‘contaminating’ influences to be avoided? How does Jesus’ parable change your world view and invite you to enter into heaven’s joy? Do you identify with the shepherd or the ninety-nine or the one lost sheep?
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You sent Jesus Christ, our Great Shepherd to seek and save the lost. I was found by Him and now want to help Him in reaching lost sheep. Teach me Your ways and lead me to the lost today. Fill my heart with Your love, my mouth with your Word and let rejoicing fill heaven. Amen.
It’s best to be humble
Scripture reading for March 21: Luke 14
“Now He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:7-11
Pride is a hallmark of the sinners life. Sinners almost always think more highly of themselves than others and they seldom think of God as real or of deserving honor. Jesus came to a feast given on the Sabbath by a ruler of the Pharisees. They were watching Him carefully, to trap Jesus. He healed a man with dropsy and they were silently angry at His ‘work’ on the sacred Sabbath. In response to their judgment, Jesus told the invited guests a parable of a wedding feast with invited guests. Those in attendance had evidently taken places of honor and there was jostling for these choice positions. This selfish attitude was evident in the religious life of Israel and was also among the disciples–wanting positions of honor at Jesus’ right hand.
But Jesus used this parable to teach that it’s best to be humble and take the lowest seat first. The master of the banquet can then invite you to take a better place rather than remove you from the highest place bringing shame and dishonor. This was a spiritual principle of Christ’s kingdom and a core principle of His world view: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” This is contrary to the world’s view of grab the best for you! Repentance requires humility. The kingdom of heaven is like being invited to a wedding banquet. The Groom is Jesus Christ and those invited are the humble who will graciously respond and put on the wedding garments provided! (Luke 14:16-23)
Have you responded to Christ’s invitation to His great banquet? What are indications in your own life that you are now acting in humility and taking the ‘lower place?’ Is it wrong to have expectations of great reward for serving Jesus?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the invitation to attend the greatest banquet ever, the wedding supper of the Lamb! I am thankful for any place at that table. Use me to spread the invitation to others who need to humble themselves in repentance before this great event takes place. Amen.
Repent! Or perish!
Scripture reading for March 20: Luke 13
“There were some present at that very time who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”” Luke 13:1-5
People of every age have experienced wars, natural disasters and mass casualty events. Survivors and observers have often speculated about why these things happen or what divine judgment or satanic evil might be involved. There were two such events mentioned here by Jesus and He questioned the people about how they viewed what had happened. Were these people worse sinners? What or who caused them to suffer? Were they singled out for some nefarious reason that caused their destruction? Our cultural world view often determines how we seek to explain or justify these disturbing events. We assign blame and make excuses but fail to look in the mirror to see the state of our own souls!
But Jesus sought to use these sudden acts of violence and death to warn each person of their need to repent. If there was any sin or offenses in these who were now dead, there was no time left to repent and make changes. Their fates were set spiritually. If they were not right with God through repentance and faith, they would be eternally damned and under punishment. Jesus warned them that all who failed to go through Him, the ‘narrow Door,’ would experience weeping and gnashing of teeth and be left out of the kingdom of God. (Luke 13:28) The ‘Door’ would one day be shut and repentance would not be possible! Today is the time to take action, repent, and come to Jesus for a cleansing of heart.
When there is a mass casualty event or terrorist attack, how do you find yourself processing it? Do you assign blame and speculate on God’s reasons for allowing it? It it ever an occasion to thank God for His mercy in your life and ask Him for mercy on others?
Prayer: Father God, there have been many opportunities in my own life to process ‘accidents’, terrorist attacks, and the destruction of human lives by war and disease. It is often easy to view these things through media and assign blame. Forgive me and cleanse my mind from this thinking. Amen.