Hi Gena,
I find it so odd about satan entering in Judas, making him betray Jesus, then when Satan leaves him, Judas takes FULL responsibilty for the deed. Even when in Isaiah it says God was pleased to bruise Jesus. I don't know how Judas could be blamed then.
You have to consider who Judas was before that night when Satan entered him, this was not all Satan's doing. Judas was a thief, he was this type of person and surely had been before this.
John 12:3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
v. 4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said,
v. 5 "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?"
v. 6
This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. Now you know that Jesus knew this about Judas and He had given him that position of holding their money as to bring out this covetousness and lust for money in Judas. Though Satan did not 'make' Judas do this, he was a thief, it was in his carnal nature and it was ultimately his downfall.
Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." (ESV)
This was a weakness in Judas and he had allowed his greed for money to overshadow all else, you can not serve two masters and he was still carnal and unconverted. Yes Satan used that to do his work and Judas was a willing participant of his cunning influence.
John 13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having
already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him,
I do not believe that Satan possessed Judas so that he did not know what he was doing. Judas had allowed this horrible notion to enter his mind/heart and take root, of course Satan had already been working with him on this most important mission Satan ever had. So as the critical time drew near yes Satan was there to influence/enter his mind to carry this deed to the bitter end. Yes Satan can be a strong influence, but only to the mind that is open to it.
James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Eph 4:27 nor give place to the devil.
1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
v. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
mercy, peace and love
Kat
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Topic: New Article: Was it better for Judas had he not been born? (Read 13716 times)