Are you one of those thinking that “deadly enemies” are those who do harm or perpetrate evil through diabolic means? No, they are not! Those fighting you spiritually with diabolic means have the Power and Will of God to contend with if you are connected to God in prayer. But “deadly enemies” are those unsuspected persons who profess faith in a religion, go to church/mosque, pretend to be your friends but conceal evil thoughts about you on how to bring you down. They are deadly because, their target is to harm you physically through any available means. If you’re in doubt read slowly…
John 13:21-30
While at supper with his disciples, Jesus was troubled in spirit and declared, ‘I tell you most solemnly, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, wondering which he meant. The disciple Jesus loved was reclining next to Jesus; Simon Peter signed to him and said, ‘Ask who it is he means’, so leaning back on Jesus’ breast he said, ‘Who is it, Lord?’ ‘It is the one’ replied Jesus ‘to whom I give the piece of bread that I shall dip in the dish.’ He dipped the piece of bread and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. At that instant, after Judas had taken the bread, Satan entered him. Jesus then said, ‘What you are going to do, do quickly.’ None of the others at table understood the reason he said this. Since Judas had charge of the common fund, some of them thought Jesus was telling him, ‘Buy what we need for the festival’, or telling him to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the piece of bread he went out. And it was night.
POINTS FOR REFLECTION
1. Judas is an example of a deadly enemy to Jesus. Deadly enemies MUST be avoided (but not hated) because they can even poison you! Yes avoid them, but do no harm to them! Don’t deprive them good, but surrender them to God! Jesus did not deny Judas Iscariot his ‘body and blood’ and the ‘Priesthood’ at the Last supper, even when He knew that Judas would betray him!
2. Treating enemies this way is a Divine law hence the bible says:
Don’t fight evil with evil, but with good; for the good you do to your enemy is a hot coal on their head and God will reward you (Pro 25: 22, Rom 12:17-21; 1Pet 3:9).
No wonder instead of receiving blessing, “satan entered” Judas Iscariot and “it was night” after he received the piece of bread (Holy Eucharist) from Jesus (Jn 13: 27, 30). It was night, not in the ordinary sense of understanding night in relation to time, but in relation to the reign of evil and the indwelling presence of the prince of darkness (satan) in the life of Judas.
TASK: Remember, your weapon against the enemy is goodness. If they don’t repent your goodness will become a poison unto them. Serve God in holiness and righteousness and he will surely deliver you from the hands of your enemies (Lk 1:73-74).
I pray for you: May the Lord according to his word in Psalm 33:10 frustrate the designs of those who wish you harm in Jesus name. Amen.
Absolutely inspiring to know through this teaching that Jesus was troubled in Spirit and he began to make declarations.
Also revealing to know that Satan entered Judas upon receiving the Eucharist.
It's also clear that some of this enemies like Judas are mostly in charge of the purse ( finance) and mostly lots of problem starts from our financial partners of one way or the other. Or for financial reasons. Thanks Padre for this revelation.
Yes 👍 Thanks for this review full of incites. God bless you.