The Spirit of the “Taker”
John 22:1-6
Luke 22:1–6 (NIV): 22 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.
John 12:6 (NIV): 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
· Judas took from the gifts meant for the use of the ministry of Jesus
· Judas took 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus
· Judas took his own life
Judas was a perpetual taker of things that were not his to take.
Judas’ spirit led him to believe that the only things that mattered were the things that mattered to him. As long as he had what he wanted, he was content. But when something was taken away that affected how much it benefited him, he complained, accused, and murdered. The spirt of the accuser (ha-satan) was leading him.
John 8:44 (ESV): 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
1 Peter 5:8 (NIV): 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
John 6:63 (NKJV): 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
The Holy Spirit of God gives!