Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. Luke 22:1-4

Betrayal sometimes comes from the place you least expect it. Its hard to believe Judas was  actually an Apostle of Christ. Judas was in the inner circle of the Son of God, heard all Christ teachings, he witnessed countless miracles, yet Judas still betrayed the Son of God. Why? Because it says “Satan entered into Judas” Was this literal or metaphorical, regardless Satan influenced Judas to give up his soul for 30 pieces of silver.This is why Jesus warned his disciples to beware and stay alert, keep yourself from sin

Satan wanted to kill off the Messiah, so he deceived and used anyone he could including chief priests and Apostles, don’t think Satan can’t deceive you also. These were all men who knew the scriptures, they have all witnessed the miracles, yet they were blinded by their sin. Let this be a dire warning to all of us, don’t be deceived, cling closely to The Lord and not of this world

And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.  Luke 22:5-6

Now at a quick glance, this might have seemed like a victory for Satan. He persuaded one of Christ’s own disciples to betray him. However God is always in complete control! God took the evil plot by Satan and used it for our good, (Romans 8:28) Judas became a fulfillment of prophecy (Psalm 41:9, Zechariah 11)

This obviously brings up the interesting debate between our free will and God’s sovereignty. Did Judas even have a choice to betray Jesus?  I think so, God never told Judas he needed to betray Christ, Judas chose to follow his lust for money and listen to Satan. However God already knew Judas was going to betray Christ, and used his evil to fulfill the requirements of the Messiah’s sacrifice for the atonement of our sins.

I know this is difficult for our human minds to comprehend, but remember God is outside of time, space, and matter. God is eternal and already knows the beginning and the end, He knows the days of your life , however you still have the free will to choose the way of life or death. Its a difficult topic to comprehend , that’s why Christians have spent centuries , even still today, arguing over soteriology.

Just know this, God is in complete control, God will take what was meant for your harm and use it for your good, you are saved through Jesus Christ Amen!