The Vice that can Betray Us

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” (Luke 22:3-6).

This simple description of the plot to betray Jesus has always provoked curiosity in my heart. Why did Satan have such easy access to the heart of one of the twelve like Judas? Why were the chief priests and officers so quick to abandon their plan to wait until after the Passover? Why was the Son of God betrayed for such a small bounty? Jesus was indeed the target of some very determined and unscrupulous characters. In every age, true disciples are also the targets of enemies that are determined to betray us. They sometimes come at us from among professing believers, church leaders, pastors, and teachers. Unwitting slaves to deception and vice, they do not preach Christ, but they are driven to elevate themselves and their ministries. They betray many by serving up an unholy and heretical false gospel. They are deceived themselves and It’s not always easy to discern and flee from such subtle enemies, but the Holy Spirit urges and helps us to be sensitive to the evil spirits that oppose Christ… “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). A close, Spirit-led examination of the three characters that conspired to betray Christ will help us recognize and resist the vice that can betray us.

Satan was compelled by conceit. He was a determined disputant of Christ. He desperately wanted to discredit Jesus as the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer. He attacked every claim of Christ who declared… “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). We recognize Satan’s spirit operating in those who preach and teach that there are many ways to heaven, there is no ultimate truth, all truth is relative, there is no life after death, or reincarnation. Subtler but just as deceitful is the message that we can be saved by believing in Christ and doing some good or religious works. Earnest disciples must be diligent to discern such deception by seeking out and holding firmly to the truth revealed by the Holy Spirit inspired scriptures… “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). To recognize and resist the subtle disputations of Satan, wherever they may be found, we must know and abide in the truth of God’s Word… “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

Judas was controlled by craving. He was a deceptive disciple of Christ. Growing disciples learn to trust the perfect provision of God… “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). We become content with the Lord’s blessings… “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13). In Christ, we overcome the spirit of greed that conquered Judas and also controls the hearts of many false religious leaders… “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5).

The religious leaders were captivated by covetousness. They were dedicated defamers of Christ. They coveted His position and influence among the people. True religious leaders are servant leaders after the example of Christ… “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). We should seek and follow humble leaders who embrace and imitate Christ, the Good Shepherd, above building and maintaining big churches and ministries… “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

As we grow up into Christ, we learn to discern and depart from leaders who are dominated by…

The Vice that Can Betray Us.