John 13:2

Our Lord had predicted Judas’ betrayal earlier in John demonstrating yet again His omniscience:

70 Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" 71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.) John 6:70-71 (NIV)

Judas was a sad case indeed. Loving money over the Master, his heart was set on his own ruin perhaps even unbeknownst to himself. Yet as we make our choices our choices will then make us. Amazingly, people think things will continue to remain the same – that they will never be held accountable for their actions. The attitude pervading appears to be such that if we are able to “get away” with it today - we will “get away” with it forever. They blithely remain consistent in their folly or depravity- perhaps even without consequences - continuing on is if their lives will never be called into account. Nothing could be further from the Truth. Scripture tells us:

35 “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matt 12:35-37 (NIV)

13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 1 Cor 3:13 (NIV)

12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:12 (NIV)

As keeper of the money bag, Judas would often help himself to its contents while all the while thinking he was getting away clear with his wily schemes. We find the following earlier in John:

4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. John 12:4-6 (NIV)

Having a heart that remains uncleansed opens the way for Satan’s infiltration. We are not neutral beings – no matter how much we may desire to be. We are either for God or against Him. Jesus tells us:

30 “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.” Matt 12:30 (NIV)

The fact remains that Judas allowed himself to be open to the ways and wiles of Satan. The devil suggested into the heart of this man the atrocious plan of betraying his Master and he grasped the idea hook, line and sinker for a mere thirty pieces of silver. The promptings or suggestions of Satan are one of his chief and favorite methods of operation. Mankind seems to continually fall for it. The sin of man consists in opening his heart and acquiescing to his suggestions – giving it place and letting it sink down and penetrate until the action manifests in the life. James tells us:

13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13-15 (NIV)

This is the same tactic he used on Eve when he planted the idea in her heart that God was holding out on her. He is an expert at this, mixing Truth with lies, making his plans palatable. He knows if he shows up with a pitch fork and red cape we would flee. He does not approach us in his true colors. We are told that he masquerades as an angel of light:

14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. 2 Cor 11:14-15 (NIV)

It behooves us all, therefore, to take heed to James’ words:

7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:7-10 (NIV)