WALKING WITH FALSE MOTIVES

Judas was not just an ordinary follower of Jesus, Matthew, Mark and Luke identified him as “one of the Twelve”. Out of all the people Jesus encountered in His ministry He chose Judas to be part of those whom He trained to be apostles. Judas in fact became the treasurer of the group of which John the beloved described as a thief for he was stealing from their funds (John 12:4-6). And when the opportunity came of possible great monetary gain, he went to the chief priests and officers, negotiated on how he can easily turn over Jesus to them for a price.

This gives us a glimpse of what was in the heart of Judas; it revealed to us the true motive of why he followed Jesus – he was with Jesus for the money.

Today, one prominent concept of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the prospect of material prosperity for those who will believe. Though there are biblical evidences support such principle, but the highlight of the Gospel turns people to fix their eyes on the promised material reward than on the eternal reward in Christ Jesus. This diverts the center of Christian obedience from God to the non-essentials of wealth and health, leading people to embrace Jesus for what He can give and not because of who He is. The Gospel must shape people to become Christians and not to turn them to Judases.

What is your primary motivation why you are following Jesus? Which is of more value for you, to be with Jesus or to have the blessings of Jesus? Why?

by Pastor Dennis Mongoso
BreadCom Discipleship Pastor

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