The Last Night
Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. Luke 22:3 · Berean Standard Bible
Something dark happens here: Satan himself enters Judas, one of Jesus' own twelve closest followers. The betrayal isn't just human scheming — there's a deeper spiritual battle at work.
This chilling detail reminds you that what's unfolding isn't just a political conspiracy. There are spiritual forces actively working against Jesus.
Luke pulls back the curtain on the unseen reality, showing that behind Judas' choice stands the enemy of God Himself.
Of all the people Satan could have used, he chose someone from Jesus' inner circle. Judas had walked with Jesus, heard His teaching, seen His miracles — and still opened the door to darkness. It's a sobering reminder that proximity to Jesus doesn't guarantee loyalty.
Luke states that Satanas (Satan) eisēlthen (entered into) Judas, called Iskariotēs. This is one of only two Gospel passages explicitly attributing Satan's direct influence on Judas (cf. John 13:27), framing the betrayal as both human choice and cosmic spiritual warfare.
Luke's mention of Satan's involvement elevates the betrayal beyond mere politics or greed to a cosmic dimension — the powers of darkness actively orchestrating the plot against Jesus.
Luke narrates with theological insight, identifying the spiritual force behind Judas' decision while preserving Judas' moral responsibility as one of the Twelve.
The betrayal has a darker author than human envy alone. Satan enters Judas — one of Jesus' inner circle of twelve — transforming a trusted disciple into the instrument of the greatest treachery in history. The cosmic battle arrives at the dinner table.
1Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching,
2and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they feared the people.
3Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve.
4And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them.
5They were delighted and agreed to give him money.
Read all of Luke 22 — The upper room, a betrayer's kiss, a servant's ear, and Peter's denial by firelight. The longest night in history begins.
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