Daily Devotional for Monday, May 11

Judas and the Chief Priests

“Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them,”Luke 22:3, 4.

Luke 22 opens with a chilling turn in the story of Jesus’ journey to the cross. While the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread approached, a time of remembrance and worship, evil was at work in the shadows. Judas, one of the twelve disciples who had walked with Jesus, witnessed His miracles and heard His teachings, allowed his heart to be overtaken by Satan.   

The chief priests had long sought a way to rid themselves of Jesus, fearing His growing influence. Judas, sadly, became the answer to their plotting. Driven by greed, disillusionment or wounded expectations, Judas agreed to betray the One he once followed. He promised to deliver Jesus “in the absence of the multitude” (verse 6), ensuring a quiet, deceptive arrest.   

This passage illustrates two sobering truths: first, that proximity to Jesus does not guarantee loyalty; and second, that unchecked motives open doors to the enemy’s influence. Judas had every opportunity to follow truth, yet, he chose to follow darkness. The chief priests, blinded by power and pride, rejoiced in the betrayal, failing to see they were fulfilling God’s redemptive plan despite their evil intent.   

Still, even in betrayal, Jesus remained in control. Nothing caught Him off guard, and everything unfolded according to divine purpose. God even uses the schemes of men to accomplish salvation.   

Let this story urge us to examine our own hearts, guarding against bitterness, pride or disillusionment that can open doors to compromise.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY 

Guard your heart—even those closest to Jesus can fall if they leave room for the enemy. Stay watchful and choose loyalty over convenience.

Steven Ridings