How can we avoid Judas's attitude when serving others in need? Setting the Scene John 12:5: “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” Mary’s costly perfume worshiped Jesus; Judas’s protest sounded pious but hid greed. Verse 6 exposes him: “He did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief.” The Heart Behind Judas’s Words • A false concern: outward charity masking selfish intent. • Misplaced value: money over honoring Christ. • Hidden sin: long-standing pilfering (v. 6) eroded spiritual sensitivity. Lessons for Our Own Service • Motive matters as much as the deed (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). • Christian giving is first worship, then aid (Philippians 4:18). • Unchecked private sin eventually taints public ministry (Numbers 32:23). Practical Steps to Guard Our Hearts • Examine motives before acting. Ask: Am I honoring Christ or seeking image/control? (Matthew 6:1-4). • Cultivate open financial integrity—accountability protects against quiet theft (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). • Keep love for Jesus fresh through regular thanksgiving; affection for Him displaces love of money (Hebrews 13:5). • Give personally, not only administratively—face-to-face compassion softens hearts (Luke 10:33-35). • Celebrate others’ costly devotion instead of criticizing their methods (Mark 14:6-9). • Serve with the mind of Christ: “in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3-5). Scripture Connections to Reinforce the Call • Acts 5:1-11—Ananias and Sapphira’s concealed greed warns that God sees the heart. • 2 Corinthians 9:7—“Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give…for God loves a cheerful giver.” • 1 John 3:17—True love opens hands to brothers in need. • Proverbs 4:23—Guard the heart, for everything flows from it. Closing Encouragement Mary’s act shows lavish love; Judas’s words reveal loveless service. By pursuing transparent motives, financial integrity, and Christ-centered love, we can serve the needy without falling into Judas’s attitude—and our service will become fragrant worship to the Lord. |
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