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Commentaries
English
Luke
  
THE TREACHERY OF JUDAS ISCARIOT
(Luke 22:3-6)
3Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve.4So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them.5And they were glad, and agreed to give him money.6So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude.


We do not know exactly why Satan entered Judas, who was a Jewish, and the only one of the twelve who was not from Galilee. Judas was a lover of money, and a thief. Appointed as the disciples’ treasurer, he disregarded the warnings of Jesus concerning greed and hypocrisy and appropriated the funds to his own use, killing the voice of his conscience, and refusing Jesus within his heart. When Jesus warned against mammon love, he looked at Judas and pierced his thoughts. But Judas disliked Jesus who had blamed him openly at Bethany when he protested Mary’s use of the costly perfume to anoint Jesus’ feet (John 12:1-8).
The traitor probably expected to reach glory, riches, and dignity soon through the authority of Jesus. But when Christ’s power worked in him and performed miracles out of his hands with the other apostles, he was not converted. His heart was hardened, and he became unjust. So Satan found authority in him. He dwelt personally in the denier, and led him to come to a decision about the deceitful treachery.
In his enraged hatred, Judas went directly to the center of Jesus’ enemies, who became glad at the beginning of divisions in the love union of Christ’s community. They asked the traitor about all the principles and details of the Nazarene’s life, and discussed with him the best way to destroy this meek leader secretly.
In this plot, the smell and injustice of money prevailed immediately, for the wicked leaders and the base traitor did not work for a principle’s sake, but were willing to please their own selves. The notable leaders purchased this traitor, who rushed madly upon the price, for he was a worshiper of money, and not a man of God.
Money unveils the characters of most of the people. Most of the people have a price at which they may be bought. Unfortunately, their price is almost very cheap. They sell their honesty and consciences for a cheap price.
Since then, the demon-possessed, led by Satan, began to investigate and inquire about the roads and places which the Holy One of God went to, in order to ensnare him and deliver him to destruction. This is the design of Satan with all men: to possess them, fill them with his spirit, and then lead them to attack God. Are you a servant of Christ, or a slave of Satan? Are you a fountain of love, or a source of hatred? Are you clinging to money, or trusting God? Do not deceive yourself! No one can carry two melons with one hand; for either you will love God and hate money, or else you will worship gold and reject the Holy One. Do not harden your heart against the voice of the Holy Spirit. Repent, lest you become a rebellious demon.

Prayer
O Lord, I am not more righteous than Judas, the traitor. Please deliver me from my wicked heart, and from the authority of the evil one. Do not lead us into temptation. Break my inclination to money, and give me a meek, humble mind that I may love you with all my heart, with all my mind, and with all my strength, sacrifice my money, and seek the poor as you were merciful to them.
Question
Why did Satan enter Judas?