The Focus

"Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, “Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.” (John 12:4-6 KJV)

Does it ever bother you to focus only on the financial needs? The physical needs? The material needs? Your agenda? Your ministry?

Judas Iscariot, the other disciples and whoever else was in the room seemed to be focused only on their righteousness and agendas. Only Mary was focused on the Soon-to-be-crucified-Christ.

John relates that issues of the heart motivated Judas and I am certain the others too. It doesn’t seem reasonable that Judas would have been “the only one” with wrong motives. John says that Judas was a thief and motivated by the money in the bag. Is there a hint of financial abuse here?

Although the hearts of the others were not opened for us, we may properly conclude that they were not as concerned with the poor as their indignation claimed. They too may have thought of ways to coerce Jesus toward their agendas. But only Judas put his thoughts and plans into action.

We can only guess at what was going through their minds. Yet, more or less on several occasions, we have all focused attention on our righteousness rather than his. When we do that, we steal his glory or try to. We hate the story of Judas because it makes us face the thief within.

Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Empower us to focus on the glory of God in the face of Christ. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today and focus on Christ,