I know this is an unusual series; it’s not the typical stuff we cover in Bible studies. But God’s Word reveals more than we realize.
As we stick to habits like daily Bible reading, the Holy Spirit begins to show us new areas we haven’t explored. There’s more to life in Christ than we can imagine. If we stay patient and consistent, God will open our spiritual eyes and ears.
He also wants to hear from us. We don’t always get things right when we read Scripture. Sometimes, we get confused. On other occasions, we misinterpret a verse or a passage.
But Jesus stays with us! He’s with us for the long haul, so we can dare to wrestle with His Word. He appreciates our interest more than our expertise.
Two weeks ago, I observed that angels don’t inhabit people. This contrasts with the biblical record of demonizations. That’s the subject we covered last week.
I presented the idea (not original with me) that demons aren’t fallen angels. Instead, they’re the spirits of the nephilim, the giants mentioned in Genesis 6:1-4. This would explain the difference between angels and demons. The latter used to have bodies while the former never did.
I wrote this not as an incontrovertible fact, but as an explanation. And we have to test it, like we do to any explanation. In doing so, I found something interesting.
The Bible does record an instance of an angel inhabiting a person. And it’s not pleasant.
“Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.” – Luke 22:3
“As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, ‘What you are about to do, do quickly.’” – John 13:27
Most Christians accept the reality that the devil or Satan (see Revelation 12:9; 20:3) was Lucifer the cherub who rebelled against God (see Isaiah 14:12-14 and Ezekiel 28:12-19). His fate is sealed and his doom is certain; he cannot rebel against God and succeed.
But if God were to make Himself vulnerable, well, that’s a different story.
When Jesus was preparing to launch His ministry, He prayed and fasted in the wilderness for 40 days. The devil worried that Jesus, the Creator of humanity, was going to take back humanity.
So he tempted Jesus to compromise.
“The devil led Him up to a high place and showed Him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6And he said to Him, ‘I will give You all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7If You worship me, it will all be Yours.” – Luke 4:5-7
Skip God’s plan and go straight to the source. Bow down before the ruler of the world and he’ll grant authority over the world.
But Jesus wouldn’t budge.
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.”’” – Luke 4:8
Having failed, Satan resorted to Plan B. If he couldn’t get Jesus to rule under him, he’d get rid of Him.
In the worst possible way.
The cross.
But this time the devil wasn’t taking any chances. He failed the first time; he’d make sure this time was different.
That’s why Satan entered Judas. He knew those who harbored ill will toward Jesus, but he didn’t trust them. So he himself engineered the betrayal of Christ.
But the devil didn’t want to settle for a routine death. He wanted Jesus to suffer in every way. Rejection, ridicule, sleeplessness, beatings, scourging, and crucifixion.
And it worked.
For three days anyway!
Then the unexpected!
Satan wasn’t counting on God resurrecting Jesus from the dead. And he never saw how Christ’s death and resurrection could save humanity.
The gospel was a mystery that doomed the forces of evil.
“We declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” – 1 Corinthians 2:7-8
The devil had done something unusual. Though an angel, he invaded a person’s heart. He did so to guarantee his diabolical plan would work.
And it did.
But God did the unexpected, too.
In the face of monstrous evil, God brought salvation to the world through the sacrifice of His Son.
Judas lost. The devil lost.
Jesus won. And so do all of us who believe in Him.
That’s the gospel!