What Jesus Did! 'The Devil's Henchmen' — Luke 22:1-6

Friday, December 1, 2023

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The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is also called Passover, was approaching. The leading priests and teachers of religious law were plotting how to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people's reaction.

Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren't around.

— Luke 22:1-6 NLT

Key Thought

I cannot help feeling unbelievably sad when I read this passage. Men who were called by God to intercede for his people and to interpret the Scriptures expertly for them were plotting the worst of all things — the murder of the Son of God. Judas, one of Jesus' 12 apostles, and the religious leaders came up with a plot to betray the Lord. The Temple guard also participated in the murderous scheming. Satan, of course, was behind it all. I wish that we could say this type of thing doesn't happen today. Unfortunately, when God's leaders get caught up in self-interest and religious politics, Satan steps in and leads them astray, and horrible things happen. Pray that God will protect his leaders from the devious ways of the evil one who seeks to sow dissension among godly leaders and cause them to put their own interests above everything else and thereby destroy the work of the Kingdom.

Today's Prayer

Father, please intervene directly in the lives of our church leaders and cast out any influence of Satan, all self-seeking and party spirit, and every hint of life-destroying political scheming. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 12:42-43
  • John 7:16-18
  • Mark 13:11-13

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 22:1-6 NLT — So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren't around.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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