Rooted in WorshipSample

Two Masters

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Matthew 6:24

Money is not good or bad. It is simply a tool - a created thing. The problem comes when money becomes a driving force in our lives and begins to capture the heart. Whether it is the security that having a full bank account brings, the ability to enjoy expensive pleasures, or the successful image that can be put on display with all that money can buy, the love of money can become an idol when it causes believers to drift away from God. If we begin to prioritize money over God, we become enslaved by an idol. Jesus made it clear that the person who serves money cannot serve God.

For an example, we need to look no further than one of Jesus’ disciples. Judas, the disciple turned betrayer of Jesus, fell into the trap of idolizing money. As he served among the disciples of Jesus, he was given the responsibility of keeping the money bag that contained the resources for the ministry of Jesus (John 12:6). These funds were donated by people who wanted to support the ministry of Jesus and see the gospel message spread throughout the world. Judas was entrusted with finances that he was to steward wisely according to the Lordship and direction of Jesus. Judas had a choice – to serve Jesus or to serve money.

The sad reality is that he chose the latter. The gospel of John records the greed of Judas within the story of the anointing of Jesus. In the story, a woman came to bring Jesus a precious and costly gift as a part of her worship. Seeing this extravagant gift, Judas did not praise her for being willing to give up something of great expense to worship Jesus. Instead, he criticized and questioned her choice.

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)

Money had become the Lord of Judas’ life. He even elevated the worship of money over the worship of Jesus- while Jesus was in the room! Judas exchanged his worship of Jesus for the worship of money, most clearly and completely, as he betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Do you think these words of Jesus still rang in his ears as he counted his money?

Be careful not to pass over the message Judas’ life has for all of us. If a person who witnessed the power and glory of Jesus firsthand could exchange the worship of Jesus for the worship of money, we can, too. We must be careful to keep money in its proper place. Let’s strive to be people who give generously, save responsibly, and steward wisely all that God has entrusted to us!

Reflection:

As you read John 12:1-7 today, take time to imagine the scene. In your own life, would you be willing to offer the costliest things you have at the feet of Jesus? Have an honest conversation with Jesus about this today. Confess and repent of any idols related to your finances, and ask Jesus to take his rightful place on the throne of your life again.