The story unfolds in Luke 22. Luke 22:3-6 sets the stage as it says, “Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of a crowd” (ESV).
Judas was used to being around the crowds that flocked to Jesus. It was becoming more of a natural occurrence as people witnessed and experienced the miracles of Jesus and wanted to be up close to Him wherever He was. Judas was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples and closest friends. I’m sure he learned how to lead and organize the crowds. As he walked with Jesus and traveled amongst His disciples, he was at the feeding of the 5,000, he was in the boat when Jesus calmed the storm, and he was at the tomb when Lazarus was raised from the dead. He was also sent out by Jesus to heal the sick and perform miracles in His name. He knew the Truth and the facts that a guide would need to know to lead others well. But something became off in Judas. Satan entered Judas, and he looked for a way to betray Jesus in the absence of a crowd.
Luke 22:47-53 says, “While He was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss Him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” And when those who were around Him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And He touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against Him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness” (ESV).
Judas led the way. He led the crowd to the King with a motive to betray the King. One minute he had great motives and intent and then the next, in an instant when Satan entered him, he was leading an army that would ultimately crucify Jesus.
Matthew 27:3-5 says, “Then when Judas, His betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.’ They said, ‘What is that to us? See to it yourself.’ And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself” (ESV).
The death of Jesus was tragic, but His resurrection was triumphant! People, still today, write narratives about Jesus that paint accurate and inaccurate portrayals of Him. People can lead people to Jesus, and they can lead people astray to condemn Jesus. Be alert and know the Word of God. Study it. Allow Jesus to be your ultimate Tour Guide in this life! He will never mislead you or misguide you.
How can you make Monumental Moments and live to Multiply His Movement today?
