A Great Fool

It is worth repeating that the devil is shrewd, cunning, and a master manipulator. It’s also worth remembering that he is just as irrational, short-sighted, and a great fool.

If you’re going to go after someone, you better be sure you can win. The devil was going after his own Creator. What was he thinking?

After the three great temptations from the devil as Jesus was about to begin His ministry, the devil “departed from him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:13). We don’t hear about the devil directly again until Jesus was about to finish His earthly ministry.

Jesus and His disciples were gathered together for the passover supper. Jesus was about to wash their feet, then repurpose the bread and wine as a new meal in remembrance of Him. “And during supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot…to betray him” (John 13:2).

Later that same evening Jesus told Peter that Satan had desired to sift Peter like wheat (Luke 22:31). The devil continued his pursuit to destroy Jesus and His men. But he was too small-minded and foolish to see his own defeat in Jesus’ death.

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. (Hebrews 2:14b-15)

Now all of us who believe in Jesus have life! Now we have a high priest who has been tempted but who remained faithful, who gives us confidence to draw near to the throne of grace.