What does John 12:6 reveal about the dangers of unchecked greed? Setting the Scene Mary has just anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, an extravagant act of worship. Judas Iscariot objects, masking his complaint with a pious concern for the poor. Verse in Focus “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 take from what was put into it.” (John 12:6) Key Observations • Judas’s words sounded compassionate, but his heart motive was self-interest. • Greed can hide behind spiritual-sounding language. • John, writing under the Spirit’s inspiration, exposes the true condition beneath the façade. The Slippery Slope of Greed • Greed begins internally: Judas “used to take” (ongoing action). What started as small skimming grew into habitual theft. • Greed distorts perception: he calls Mary’s worship “waste” (v. 5). When money owns us, even devotion to Christ looks impractical. • Greed deadens conscience: Judas can stand beside Jesus—Truth incarnate—yet feel entitled to steal (cf. Luke 12:15). Consequences Illustrated in Judas • Spiritual callousness: persistent theft dulled any genuine love for the poor (Proverbs 21:13). • Broken fellowship: his secret sin isolated him while the others rejoiced over Jesus (Proverbs 28:25). • Ultimate betrayal: unchecked greed culminated in selling the Lord for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation… and many foolish and harmful desires” (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Guardrails for Our Hearts • Cultivate transparency: accountability in finances prevents secret compromises (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). • Practice regular generosity: giving loosens greed’s grip (Acts 20:35). • Treasure Christ above possessions: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). • Stay alert to rationalizations: Judas’s excuse sounded noble; test motives with Scripture (Hebrews 4:12). Encouraging Examples of Generosity • The poor widow’s two small coins (Mark 12:41-44) • Barnabas selling property to meet needs (Acts 4:36-37) • Macedonian believers giving “beyond their ability” out of joy (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) Final Takeaway John 12:6 warns that greed, if left unchecked, deceives the mind, hardens the heart, and ultimately drives a wedge between us and the Savior. Guard the heart, steward resources faithfully, and let love for Christ outweigh every monetary appeal. |
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