Dear Explorer,
Read Matthew 26:1-5
And
Read Mark 14:1-2
And
Read Luke 22:1-2
Notice that Jesus, according to Matthew's record, told His disciples the day that He would be arrested.
How would the arrival of Passover affect the city of Jerusalem?
There would be a great influx of Jewish people from all over the surrounding areas of Israel because all Jewish men were required to worship in the temple during Passover. Most of them would bring their entire family and Jerusalem would be packed! Because there were so many people there for religious reasons, merchants from all the surrounding areas came to sell their goods – so it was a humongous crowd!
What decision did the Jewish leaders make concerning Jesus?
They decided to wait until after the Passover to try to arrest Him because they were afraid of the crowds and possible riots.
Read Matthew 26:14-16
And
Read Mark 14:10-11
And
Read Luke 22:3-6
And
Read John 13:2
Luke and John record that it was Satan who gave Judas Iscariot the idea.
What did Satan tempt Judas to do?
Did Judas do it?
Now, some basic theology that we've talked about before on Day 109 and Day 227: If you have invited Jesus into your life, then you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you – in your control center. There are times when you are obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit and times when you are not, but your core or control center remains the same. The Holy Spirit does not leave. Satan cannot enter or possess you because of the Holy Spirit's presence. Remember, God is stronger and wiser than Satan.
Can Satan influence a follower's thoughts?
Yes!
Can He tempt a follower to disobey?
Yes!
Can He enter in and control a follower?
No!
Now, Judas lived in the time under the Old Law before Jesus died and paid for our sins and made a way for our salvation. So, Judas' core was empty, and he was ruled by SELF. Therefore, the Scripture tells us that Satan's spirit entered Judas and began to control him.
Make sure that you understand this. Judas did not go to Hell because he betrayed Jesus. If he is in Hell, it is because he rejected Jesus and never invited Him into his life.
And only Matthew records the price paid to Judas for Jesus' capture. How much was it?
I've heard that that was the going rate to purchase a slave – but I can't verify that.
We'll talk more about that money later.
In His service, dale
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