Sermon 156

📖 Sermon 156 – The Plot to Kill Jesus

Date: [no date given]
Text: Luke 22:1–6

Introduction

As the feast of unleavened bread draws near, the chief priests and scribes seek a way to destroy Jesus. Their hatred reaches its climax when Satan enters Judas, who agrees to betray his Master for money. This passage reveals the darkness of human sin and the sovereignty of God’s plan.

I. The Wicked Counsel of the Leaders

A. “The feast of unleavened bread drew nigh”
A holy season corrupted by murderous intent.

B. “The chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill Him”
Open hostility from the religious elite.

C. “For they feared the people”
Their hatred strong, but their courage weak.

II. The Entry of Satan Into Judas

A. “Then entered Satan into Judas”
Sin’s door opened — the tempter walks in.

B. Judas was “of the number of the twelve”
Proximity to Christ does not guarantee loyalty.

C. The darkest betrayal grows from a heart long resisting grace

III. The Bargain for Betrayal

A. Judas “went his way”
A deliberate, chosen path of evil.

B. “He communed with the chief priests and captains”
A shameful alliance.

C. “They were glad…”
Evil rejoices in treachery.

D. “…and covenanted to give him money”
The price of the innocent Savior weighed in silver.

IV. The Search for Opportunity

A. Judas “promised”
He binds himself to his crime.

B. “Sought opportunity”
A treacherous heart looking for the moment to strike.

C. “In the absence of the multitude”
Cowardice and calculation mark the deed.

Conclusion

The plot to kill Jesus shows the depth of human sin, the subtlety of Satan, and yet the sovereignty of God. Christ goes to the cross not as a victim of betrayal, but as the willing Redeemer fulfilling Scripture and saving His people.