TOPIC : THE GREED OF JUDAS
MEMORISE: Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:10
BIBLE READING : John 12:1-6
1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him,
5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
6 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.
Run away from greed!
Today’s Confession: I confess today that I am free from greed and every secret sin; I walk in integrity and victory over all the devil’s traps in Jesus’ name. Somebody shout Hallelujah!
MESSAGE:
One of the disciples whom Jesus chose to collaborate with during His earthly ministry was Judas.
According to today’s Bible reading, Judas served as thee disciples’ treasurer.
His name ought to have been recorded with the disciples who performed amazing deeds following the Holy Ghost’s baptism in the Upper Room (Acts 2:4).
However, his character flaw (greed) led him to take his own life.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines greed as “An excessive and self centred desire for more of something (like money) than is necessary.”
Before approaching Judas with a thirty-piece silver bribe (the amount he sold Jesus for), the devil knew that Judas was a greedy fellow who would have no trouble accepting the offer.
Beloved, have you ever taken someone else’s property without the person’s consent?
If you have, it means that you have stolen, and you should make amends.
We can also infer, from Judas’ story, that the devil will take advantage of a fellow’s vulnerability to entice him or her.
What area of your life are you weak in? Take care of it now.
ACTION POINT:
Ask for help from the Holy Spirit to deal with any weakness in your life.
HYMN :
TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS
1 Tis so sweet to trust in
Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, “Thus saith the Him! Lord.”
Refrain
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him
How l’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!
2 O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
‘Neath the healing, cleansing Hood!
3 Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.
4 I’m so glad I learn’d to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend,
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 9:18, Luke 24:13-53
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye