Avoiding the Traps
Scripture – John 13:26-30: Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. “What you are about to do, do quickly,” Jesus told him, but no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Did Judas have a choice? Could he have refused the bread? As soon as he took it, “Satan entered into him.” As soon as he took it, “he went out.” There’s a lot about Judas I don’t understand. In many ways, he had no choice. He was the one God used to carry out His plan. Much debate has been carried out by greater minds than mine on this subject. What I do understand is I have choices. There are different pieces of “bread” held out for me to take that are traps set by Satan. If I take one, I give him an opening to come into me. If I take it, my first inclination is to go out – to get away from Jesus. That always leads me toward the darkness.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Usually, I know right from wrong. I know whether I should take the “bread” that’s offered or not. Over the years, Satan’s traps have become more subtle. If I’m not observant – if I rely only on my own insight – I step right into them. I will keep the eyes of my heart on Christ today. I will trust Him to deliver me from evil. And whatever happens, I will not run away from Him.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you are my hope. You are my protector. Save me from the traps around me. Guide me safely through them today. You know my weaknesses. Please meet me at those points with your strength. Thank you.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Cafe.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Did Judas have a choice? Could he have refused the bread? As soon as he took it, “Satan entered into him.” As soon as he took it, “he went out.” There’s a lot about Judas I don’t understand. In many ways, he had no choice. He was the one God used to carry out His plan. Much debate has been carried out by greater minds than mine on this subject. What I do understand is I have choices. There are different pieces of “bread” held out for me to take that are traps set by Satan. If I take one, I give him an opening to come into me. If I take it, my first inclination is to go out – to get away from Jesus. That always leads me toward the darkness.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Usually, I know right from wrong. I know whether I should take the “bread” that’s offered or not. Over the years, Satan’s traps have become more subtle. If I’m not observant – if I rely only on my own insight – I step right into them. I will keep the eyes of my heart on Christ today. I will trust Him to deliver me from evil. And whatever happens, I will not run away from Him.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you are my hope. You are my protector. Save me from the traps around me. Guide me safely through them today. You know my weaknesses. Please meet me at those points with your strength. Thank you.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Cafe.
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