One thing that really stood out to me as I was preparing Sunday’s message was that no matter what evil men or Satan himself plans and does, God is always in control. We see in today’s text that the devil put it in the heart of Judas to betray Christ. This ultimately led to the crucifixion, which was God’s plan all along to bring salvation to the world. And Satan had no idea.

But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord.” (1 Corinthians 2:8, NLT)

Another incredible fact is the timing of Christ’s crucifixion. Although the religious leaders did not want Christ killed on their Passover holy day, that was God’s plan and God got His way. Because Christ was God’s Passover Lamb just as John the Baptist declared.

Today’s text

 
The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is also called Passover, was approaching. The leading priests and teachers of religious law were plotting how to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people’s reaction. Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. So, he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around.” (Luke 22:1–6, NLT)

God’s eternal plan was to save mankind through the sacrifice of Christ.

For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.” (Ephesians 2:14–18, NLT)

It’s all about Jesus!

Pastor Mike