Sermon Notes + 10.15.2023

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Satan Entered into Him
John 13:21-38
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor

Overview: After washing the feet of His disciples, Jesus becomes troubled in spirit and testifies that one of the disciples will betray Him. The identity of the betrayer is not evident to the disciples so John is tasked with seeking further clarity. Jesus informs them it is the one who receives the morsel of bread from His hand, namely Judas Iscariot, whom Satan then enters. Jesus then instructs Judas to go forward with his plan to betray Him. Though the disciples are still unaware of Judas’ intentions, Jesus tells them that God is now glorified and commands the disciples to love one another. Though Peter promises to defend Him, Jesus reveals that Peter will instead deny Him. These crucial moments in the final days of Jesus’ life illustrate the reality of spiritual warfare at its highest level while giving every confidence that Jesus alone can conquer the evil one.

01. Unbelievers are influenced by Satan in ways that are visible and not so visible, but in ways that are predictable and discernible and, therefore, by the kindness of God, avoidable.

02. Believers are delivered from Satan’s ways through the power of the cross, by living according to the law of love, and by relying on the grace of God in place of their own strength.

 

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY

1. Note how Jesus is again troubled in his spirit (verse 21; compare 12:27), yet He instructs Judas to continue on his mission (verse 27), and Jesus states that God is now glorified (verse 31). How do these passages demonstrate Jesus’ perfect command over His emotions and complete confidence in the providence of God? When your soul is troubled, how do you find comfort in God? See Psalm 42 for additional insight.

2. Why were the disciples clueless about the identity of the betrayer? What evidences did Judas give to suggest he was a true believer? What evidences do we find in Scripture that indicate Judas was not a genuine follower of Jesus? Are you trusting in Christ alone for your salvation? Does your new life in Christ produce fruit of the Spirit, especially love for God and others? See 1 John 2 for further insight.

3. In what ways are the works of Satan visible in our world today? In what ways are the works of Satan not so visible, but satanic nonetheless? In what ways does Satan masquerade as an angel of light? As a Christian, how are you able to discern truth from error, and good from evil? See Psalm 119:97-112 for further insight.

4. What is the fundamental difference between a person like Judas and a person like Peter? Was it the nature of their betrayal/denial that separates them? Or was it the way they understood and responded to Jesus that differentiates them? What would you say to a person who says they cannot be forgiven because they have betrayed or denied Jesus? See Luke 22:31-32 and Hebrews 4:14-16 for further insight.

5. What was Satan’s purpose in entering Judas? Why does he take a special interest in attempting to overturn the reign and the rule of Jesus Christ? What does the Bible teach about Satan’s future and all who follow and have been deceived by him? See Revelation 20:7-10 for further insight.

For Further Reading: Keith Ferdinando, The Message of Spiritual Warfare (IVP, 2016)