4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." 6 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.
Is it not interesting how far wicked men will go to diminish or belittle a worthy action? Critical and constantly nattering spirits drain the life, not to mention the good or profitable deed, out of both the hearer and the doer. In an effort to cover up their own gross inadequacies and insecurities, not to mention their evil thoughts and ways, bullies seek to belittle and embarrass those in their presence who are seeking to do the right thing. Those who have fixed their focus to follow the Lord Jesus – doing the works that He would do – must be prepared to find their actions mocked and their motives depreciated. Their words are as shards of cold judgments upon warm hearts to be sure. Yet, if we do nothing until everyone is in praise of our actions, we will accomplish very little if any good in this world. It is a great snare to worry about what others may think. I love what John writes earlier regarding Jesus’ thought on man’s opinion:
23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name. 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. 25 He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man. John 2:23-25 (NIV)
In our verses for today, Judas, being one of their number but certainly not one of their natures, was quick to find a feigned fault with Mary’s sacrificial actions. The pretence with which he covered his dislike was care for the poor, passing judgment on her pious zeal with his worldly wisdom. Judas makes charity to the poor a cloak for his covetousness. He did not care about the poor rather his interest lay in serving his own greedy ends. He wanted the money and as keeper of the money bag, he dipped into it whenever he desired. He had a reigning love in his heart for money and it became his downfall. We are to beware of anything that reigns in our hearts besides the Lord Jesus. His words on the Sermon on the Mount come to mind:
24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Matt 6:24 (NIV)
The word translated “money” in the above verse is from the Greek word “Mamonas” and is defined as “the comprehensive word for every kind of valuable or material good”. Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible, New Testament Lexical Aids. The object of devotion – the material good or money or whatever, is not intrinsically bad it is the love (or lust) of it that is. The priority it takes in one’s life. It is the number one place we allow it in our hearts that is to be despised. Paul tells us:
10 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. 1 Tim 6:10 (NIV)
Judas was a thief and his job played right into his weakness. He began by betraying the trust of the group which eventually succumbed to betraying the Master. Oh the insidiousness of sin in a life! It seems to grow and multiply faster and more silently than a cancer cell. We must be constantly aware that where any man has fallen – turning back to loving the created rather than the Creator – going back to wallowing in the mud so to speak - there is a possibility for any of us to fall.
"Always remain alert to the fact that where one man has gone back is exactly where anyone may go back." Oswald Chambers
Purity and holiness in a life is never automatic – it must be a constant pursuit. We are not to become soft spiritually – letting our guards down of self control will open up the door for every sort of temptation towards evil. None of us are above it. Scripture tells us we are to train ourselves to be Godly:
7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Tim 4:7-8 (NIV)
Holiness is not a feeling – it is the end product of obedience. Purity is not a gift – it is the result of repentance and serious pursuit of God. Frances J. Roberts