New Testament
Luke 22:3
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Then Satan entered into Judas, called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve.
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Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
What Luke 22:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a pivotal moment in the story of Jesus and His disciples. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve chosen disciples, allows Satan to influence him. This act signifies a deep betrayal, as Judas would later betray Jesus for money. The phrase 'Satan entered into Judas' suggests that Judas was not just acting on his own but was under the influence of evil. This moment highlights the spiritual battle that exists, where individuals can be swayed by negative forces. Judas's choice serves as a warning about the dangers of allowing harmful influences into our lives. It also emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and discerning in our decisions, especially when it comes to loyalty and faithfulness. This verse sets the stage for the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, illustrating how betrayal can arise from within one's closest circle.
How to apply Luke 22:3 to your life
This verse reminds us to be cautious about the influences we allow in our lives. Just as Judas was swayed by Satan, we too can be tempted to make poor choices. Staying grounded in faith and surrounding ourselves with positive influences can help us remain faithful and avoid betrayal in our relationships.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus (Luke 22:3–6)
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Keep studying Luke 22:3
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Why did Judas betray Jesus?
Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, motivated by greed and possibly disillusionment. His actions highlight the dangers of allowing material desires to overshadow loyalty and faith. The betrayal is significant as it leads to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, illustrating how personal choices can have profound consequences on a larger scale.
What can we learn from Judas's betrayal?
Judas's betrayal teaches us about the importance of discernment and the need to guard against harmful influences in our lives. It serves as a cautionary tale about how easily one can be swayed by temptation and the consequences of betrayal. This encourages us to stay grounded in our faith and to choose our associations wisely.
How does this verse relate to spiritual warfare?
This verse exemplifies spiritual warfare by illustrating how evil can infiltrate even the closest relationships. Judas's susceptibility to Satan's influence shows that spiritual battles are often fought within our hearts and minds. It emphasizes the need for vigilance in our spiritual lives to resist negative forces and remain faithful to our commitments.
What does Luke 22:3 mean?
Luke 22:3 centers on betrayal. In this verse, we see a pivotal moment in the story of Jesus and His disciples.
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