GREED KILLS!
GREED KILLS!
Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly… Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over. —Mark 14:4-5, 10-11
But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. —John 12:4-6
There are those who put on airs of being very caring and yet all the while they are just looking for an opportunity to fulfill their greed.
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. —John 12:1-3
“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” —John 12:7-8
Think about it. This perfume was worth a year’s income. Mary used it to honor Jesus. Judas wanted it for himself. This is what the love of money does. It blinds a person from what is most important to fulfill their own internal lust. Judas couldn’t get his greedy hands on this money, but “Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over” (Mark 14:10-11). Treachery is what Judas stood for… and all for money— “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (I Timothy 6:10). Beware of these type people. They will go to great lengths to attain money— even setting someone up for execution and death!
Dear Father may I have a proper perspective on wealth and be a faithful steward of that which You have given to me. May this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eQd3K2Fxp4