trusted online casino malaysia
Realizing the presence, promise, and power of the Kingdom of God.
The DEEP

The Plot Twists

Get used to that.

Luke 21:37-22:6 (ESV)

And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.

The priests and scribes are done arguing with Jesus; they got their hats handed to them every time they tried that. Now they’re thinking in strictly military terms. They’re seeking how to put him to death. They just need to figure out a way to capture Him.

The problem is the crowds. Jesus is always surrounded by throngs of admirers. Remember, these people throw stones at folks they don’t like. The priests have a clear mental image of how this could go badly.

Judas to the rescue! He’ll figure out a way to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd – for a price, of course.

All he needs is an opportunity.


One of the great plot twists of all time is that Jesus deliberately gives Judas this opportunity. He’s literally a co-conspirator in His own death.

Of course, God controls all opportunities anyway. This includes any opportunity to share the gospel.

We all know people who need Christ. The trick is finding the right time and place to tell them about Him. Sure, we can force the issue but that usually doesn’t feel right – and that’s usually accurate.

This leads to a very simple and very effective form of prayer – asking for a sign. Rather than just deciding to explain Christ to someone, pray first and ask God to open a door. And if a door doesn’t open, stick a cork in it.

But if the door does open, be ready to step through it.

And note that there’s more than one door. God may want you to help this person in a non-evangelizing way. If that’s the door that opens, then that’s what you’re being called to do.

Don’t get frustrated if what God directs doesn’t feel all that glorious. You want to explain the resurrection, but end up moving furniture. Revel in the fact that God is using you, and don’t get cranky about how.

He does know what he’s doing, you know.


The weekly study guides, which include discussion questions, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies

Mike Slay

As a mathematician, inventor, and ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, Mike Slay brings an analytical, conversational, and even whimsical approach to the daily study of God's Word.

Subscribe to Ailbe Newsletters

Sign up to receive our email newsletters and read columns about revival, renewal, and awakening built upon prayer, sharing, and mutual edification.