“Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which
should betray him, “Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and
given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because
he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.” (John 12:4-6
KJV)
Does it ever bother you to focus only on the
financial needs? The physical needs? The material needs? Your agenda? Your
ministry?
financial needs? The physical needs? The material needs? Your agenda? Your
ministry?
Judas Iscariot, the other disciples and
whoever else was in the room seemed to be focused only on their righteousness
and agendas. Only Mary was focused on the Soon-to-be-crucified-Christ.
whoever else was in the room seemed to be focused only on their righteousness
and agendas. Only Mary was focused on the Soon-to-be-crucified-Christ.
John relates that issues of the heart motivated
Judas and I am certain the others too. It doesn’t seem reasonable that Judas
would have been “the only one” with wrong motives. John says that Judas was a
thief and motivated by the money in the bag. Is there a hint of financial abuse
here?
Judas and I am certain the others too. It doesn’t seem reasonable that Judas
would have been “the only one” with wrong motives. John says that Judas was a
thief and motivated by the money in the bag. Is there a hint of financial abuse
here?
Although the hearts of the others were not
opened for us, we may properly conclude that they were not as concerned with
the poor as their indignation claimed. They too may have thought of ways to
coerce Jesus toward their agendas. But only Judas put his thoughts and plans
into action.
opened for us, we may properly conclude that they were not as concerned with
the poor as their indignation claimed. They too may have thought of ways to
coerce Jesus toward their agendas. But only Judas put his thoughts and plans
into action.
We can only guess at what was going through
their minds. Yet, more or less on several occasions, we have all focused
attention on our righteousness rather than his. When we do that, we steal his
glory or try to. We hate the story of Judas because it makes us face the thief
within.
their minds. Yet, more or less on several occasions, we have all focused
attention on our righteousness rather than his. When we do that, we steal his
glory or try to. We hate the story of Judas because it makes us face the thief
within.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and
mercy. Empower us to focus on the glory of God in the face of Christ. This I
pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
mercy. Empower us to focus on the glory of God in the face of Christ. This I
pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and courageous today and focus on
Christ,
Christ,