When Darkness Finds a Willing Heart
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | April 12 2025 | Luke 22:1-6
KEY VERSE: Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.” Luke 22:3-4 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
The Lenten season is a sacred time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. As we journey toward the cross, Luke 22:1-6 confronts us with the somber reality of betrayal, spiritual warfare, and the subtle ways the human heart can become vulnerable to evil when it turns away from Christ. Two lessons from the key verses are: 1. The schemes of the enemy are real, and 2. Proximity to Jesus Christ is not the same as loyalty to Jesus Christ.
Luke notes that “Satan entered Judas” (Luke 22:3). This teaches us that the schemes of the enemy are real. Judas did not begin as a traitor; he was a disciple. But unchecked greed, disappointment, and secret sin opened his heart to darkness. Satan is a real enemy who works subtly and persistently to oppose God’s will and to infiltrate the lives of God’s people (1 Peter 5:8). The devil doesn’t always storm in with obvious evil; often, he whispers through temptation, distraction, bitterness, and compromise. Lent is a sober season to recognise the enemy’s schemes and to close every door in our hearts that might welcome his influence.
Loyalty is not proximity - it’s surrender. It’s loving Jesus Christ more than position, applause, or gain. It's obeying Him when it's costly and choosing Him over self. Being close to Jesus Christ physically, or even religiously, is not the same as being committed to Him spiritually. Judas walked with Jesus, heard His teaching, saw His miracles, and still betrayed Him (Luke 22:21). His nearness did not translate to faithfulness. His heart was not truly surrendered. This truth is a sobering reminder that attendance in church, participation in ministry, or even association with Christians is not what saves. During Lent, we must examine not just our religious routines, but the condition of our hearts.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
If you’re walking without Jesus, you’re vulnerable to the enemy’s traps. Don't just settle for being around Jesus - be truly united with Him. Confess Him as Lord, trust Him with your life, and follow Him in obedience. Proximity may impress others, but only personal faith in Christ leads to eternal life.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, as I reflect on Your journey to the cross, I ask for a heart that is fully Yours. Cleanse me from every hidden motive, every secret sin, and every form of self-deception. Guard my heart from betrayal and lead me into deeper loyalty and love for You. May this Lent be a time of renewal and realignment with Your will. For your dear Name’s sake. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 102: Deuteronomy 31 - Joshua Commissioned; Moses Prepares to Die
DAILY word study: ENTERED
The Greek word translated “entered” is εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai), meaning “to go into, come in, or invade.” It’s a neutral verb in Greek, but in context, it carries the weight of spiritual invasion.
This verb is used here to describe Satan’s activity—not merely as influence, but as occupation of a heart already open to compromise. Judas’ choices—greed, resentment, and hypocrisy—had prepared the ground.
Theologically, the verse reminds us that hearts that aren’t surrendered are vulnerable. Ephesians 4:27 warns believers not to “give the devil a foothold.” Judas gave Satan entry—not because he was chosen to fail, but because he failed to guard his heart.
Reflection:
“Entered” here isn’t just about Judas—it’s about warning. What are we allowing into our hearts? Lent gives us space to close doors, resist temptation, and invite Jesus fully in.
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