John 12:4-7 - But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was going to betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to take from what was put into it. 7 Therefore Jesus said, “Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial.
Thank You Lord for a new day. I am excited to follow You where You lead. Your Word is a lamp to my feet on the path through this day. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Mary has poured out the expensive perfume and wiped Jesus' feet with her hair and it's too much for Judas Iscariot to take. We see in today's verses he speaks up to criticize the lavish sacrifice made out of Mary's love and devotion to Jesus.
Was Judas wrong about the value of the gift? No.
Was Judas wrong that the money could've fed or helped the poor? No.
Judas wasn't wrong in the facts he had stated, however his heart behind those facts is what was wrong. We're clearly told in the verses he wasn't concerned about the poor because he was a thief. His issue was there was no benefit in it for him.
We find someone following Jesus for their own selfish gain. Judas used his position and his association with Jesus for his own gain. So, if someone makes a lavish sacrifice that doesn't benefit him, we see what's truly inside of him spill out. In a sense he's saying, "Forget Jesus, that's worth a ton of money, I could do some things with that money….".
We all know of, and I have personally seen/heard some in leadership positions who used that position for personal gain. It is a very real thing that can happen. People can follow Jesus just for the benefits it brings them. Power, prestige, money, affirmation, adoration, are all things one can gain using the name of Jesus. However, these things do not go unnoticed by our Lord. As David says in Psalm 73 where he says, "Then I understood their end.", speaking of those who do evil and seem to prosper.
I was led over to 1 Timothy this morning. I hope you take the time to read this as it was really good and brings a sobering understanding of what can happen when godliness is used as a means for gain.
1 Timothy 6:3-11 - If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words—those of our Lord Jesus Christ—and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4 he is conceited, understanding nothing but having a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. 6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evils, and some by aspiring to it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
11 But you, O man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, gentleness.
Christian, pay close attention to these words in 1 Timothy as in today's world these things are still a major temptation and snare which will plunge you into ruin, destruction, and sadly for some they will wander from the faith. All we do should be in Jesus, through Jesus, and for Jesus.
Well, this is where the quiet time journey went today. Don't take my word on anything. This is my journey with the Lord in prayer and in His Word. Be the Berean, get into your Bible and let God show you what He has for you.
You are loved. You are prayed over. You are not alone.
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