Devilish Choices

Text: John 6:66-71

Theme: Several people made life-changing choices in this story that involved the devil.

Key verses: “At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.’ Then Jesus said, ‘I chose the twelve of you, but one is a devil.’ He was speaking of Judas…one of the Twelve, who would later betray him” (v. 66-71).

What I believe God said to me: Good morning, Dwayne. I’m glad you’re enjoying my gift to you of this getaway week in that cozy cabin. I even blessed you with a fireplace and unlimited firewood. I love you, son, and I’m ever pulling for you and blessing you. You’ve been faithful over the years to utilize the gifts I gave you of music, teaching, and writing. Stay the course. Stay sharp and humble in all your talents and gifts, and I will continue to open doors no one can shut for you. The devil and his demons are pervasive in the world and in people’s lives, and many don’t even realize it. In this account of Jesus and his followers, Satan’s influence is clearly evident. No doubt he was whispering in the ears of those who turned away from following Jesus. It was their choice, and they will all be held accountable for deserting Jesus, but make no mistake, the enemy was prowling around that day like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. He saw their confusion, disgust and disillusionment, and he took full advantage of it as a means to hurt Jesus and destroy them. Peter choose Jesus over the devil or his worldly appeal. Peter acknowledged that no one–and that includes Satan–has the words that give eternal life and none was the Holy One of God, save Jesus Christ the Lord. Judas was actually called a devil by Jesus. So, there is no denying that Judas was controlled and consumed by Satan and his demonic forces. The most surprising one to be involved with the devil is Jesus himself. Jesus wasn’t influenced by Judas or deceived by him. However, he did choose a devil, and he walked with that devil for 3 years. What’s even more shocking is that Jesus allowed his closest disciples to be around him and potentially influenced by him. Jesus knew he was a devil, and yet he chose him to be one of the Twelve Apostles, on which all of Christendom would be built. The most common explanation you’ll hear is that Judas was needed to fulfill salvation’s plan. Judas was the insider privy to Jesus’ whereabouts. Judas betrayed Jesus, thus leading to Jesus’ crucifixion fulfilling redemption’s plan. But in reality, could not Jesus have chosen someone much later in the game, so to speak? He could have let it slip to a Pharisee during his passion week, thus leading to the same outcome. The point is, there were several ways Jesus could have been betrayed and turned over to the Pharisees for trial. Why would Jesus knowingly bring Judas on his team at the onset three years out? Why would Jesus risk him corrupting other disciples or followers? After all, bad company corrupts good manners. Plausible explanations for choosing Judas so early include: 1) Jesus had hoped Judas might repent and be saved if he was kept close to the fire and light of Jesus’ truth; 2) Jesus chose him to teach the faithful disciples what greed and disobedience look like; 3) Judas was an example of the parable of the weeds in Matt 13:24-30. Judas had free will at the start, chose wrong and became a real life warning for us that not everyone who appears to “do good” chooses the right Father; and 4) This was a living illustration of how God says some will fall away; it’s God’s job to do the weeding. It’s ours to do the following. All of these are good reasons for the devilish Judas to have been chosen to be one of the Twelve. But here is the bottom line: Regardless of whether any or all of those explanations apply, at the end of the day, the only thing that really matters is that Jesus did my will–the will of his Father. Think about it: Jesus prayed all night before choosing his disciples. That’s where he got alone with me and heard my clear voice of direction and confirmation. Jesus knew that certain prophecies had to be fulfilled–like the one in Psalm 41:9, where a trusted friend “lifts up his heel” in betrayal. It wasn’t for Jesus to question or doubt those prophesies. He wasn’t looking for reasonable reasons to choose or not choose Judas. Jesus had to allow Judas to become a trusted friend to fulfill a thousand year old prophecy. He literally had no other choice. His only choice was to obey my leadership and written word. You must do that as well, Dwayne. Not everyone that you bring along with you will make good sense to you. You might even be hesitant and doubtful about the loyalty and motives of certain people. But if I tell you to run with them, then you run. If I tell you to mentor them, then you give it your best shot. If I lead them to be in your NLW community and among your team, don’t question it. Trust me. My ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts are above your thoughts. I am the Lord God Almighty. I am sovereign. Your most important job in life and leadership isn’t figuring everything out or knowing everything; it’s trusting and obeying my still, small voice and my every command. See you to it.

What I said to God: Holy and wise God, my eternal and loving Father, You are the Sovereign One. You alone rule and reign in my heart and over the world. Forgive me when I only look through my limited human eyes. I can’t begin to understand all You are doing or what Your plans and goals are for our ministry and for those we meet along the way. I humble myself before You today. I confess I sometimes lean on my own understanding–even now, after all these years of following You. Help me not be influenced by the devil, and help me not make the devilish choice to trust my own understanding rather than Your Word. There is no excuse for this. I choose today to listen and obey the Voice of Truth.