What is the Danger of Taking Your Eyes Off of Jesus? (Part 2)
Spiritual Questions with Scriptural Answers.
In our previous article, we examined the event when Peter, while walking on the water, lost his focus taking his eyes off of Christ. This week, we want to discuss another disciple who took his eyes off of Jesus: Judas Iscariot.
The Greed of Judas.
Jesus spent time in prayer for all of His disciples, including Judas who would later betray Him (Luke 6:12-16). Judas spent time with Jesus hearing the teachings and witnessing the miracles but chose to rebel and reject the Lord.
We are able to get glimpses into Judas’ heart throughout the Gospel accounts which helps us understand that deep down, Judas was greedy. For example, he was offended when money was spent on behalf of Jesus and His ministry:
“Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it” (John 12:1-6).
Notice from the text that Judas was a thief. He was greedy for money which ultimately took precedence over his love for the Lord. In fact, he betrayed Jesus and “sold Him” for thirty pieces of silver (Matt. 27:3, 9).
Biblical Warnings About Greed.
From the Old Testament.
The Bible is packed with inspired warnings against being greedy for money. In the Old Testament, specifically within “Wisdom Literature,” we learn the value of being rich spiritually:
“A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked” (Psa. 37:16).
“Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your heart on them” (Psa. 62:10).
“He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage” (Prov. 11:28).
“There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches” (Prov. 13:7).
These passages emphasize that focusing more on physical wealth than spiritual wealth is very dangerous and can cost one his soul!
From the New Testament.
In the New Testament, several admonitions are given showing the danger of loving money. Consider what Jesus said about this topic:
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Matt. 19:23-24).
When Jesus told the account of the “Rich Man and Lazarus” (Luke 16:19-31), He painted a picture of true wealth as the rich man died with nothing but the beggar (Lazarus) was carried by the angels into Paradise. Ask yourself: Which one was actually rich?
Then after a discussion with a young ruler, Jesus told the man to sell all that he had and give to the poor, but this man, like Judas, was more focused on earthly wealth than spiritual wealth (Luke 18:23-24).
The apostle Paul also had much to say about the love of money, perhaps none more impactful than what he wrote to Timothy:
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows…Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17-19)
Many today, like Judas Iscariot was, are consumed by the desire to be rich. Jesus said that it is impossible to serve both God and money (Matt. 6:24).
We must learn from the example of Judas and keep our eyes fixed on Christ rather than laying up treasures on earth (Matt. 6:19-21; Col. 3:1-3)!
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
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