PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 27:6-10
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.” (Matthew 27:6)
It is ironic to hear the religious leaders talk about ‘against the law’.
This blood money was the money they paid to have Jesus betrayed.
Their hands are already stained, this act of ‘integrity’ won’t clean that up.
We can’t cover our misdeeds with good deeds, or bury sin under religious obedience.
Jesus was forever challenging the religious leaders for their hypocrisy.
Their focus was on publicly obeying the laws, while practically disregarding the Law.
Following the rules, but showing little concern for the intent of these rules.
Jesus followers want to be concerned about inward integrity, not just outward duty.
There’s a big difference between a bridge that LOOKS safe, and a bridge that IS safe.
We need to be concerned about the integrity of the bridge, not just its appearance.
Jesus sees through our external piety to our inner character and integrity.
As Jesus followers, we need to stop thinking that we are better than others.
We need to be honest, to admit our flaws and to be willing to change.
Our hope is God’s grace, not our supposed obedience to the law… He sees through that.
PRAYER
Lord, You know my structural flaws, You know where I lack integrity. Help me to grow towards greater honesty and greater integrity!
There is blood on the money. At World Renew we were offered a big donation from the Wild Rose Foundation – money they had raised by lottery tickets – which we knew were bought by persons who really should not be buying lottery tickets – but enticed with the hope that they might win the big one and therefore be able to get out of the poverty they were in. We refused it because we did condone this practice of raising money. The money in the passage was used to pay for a way to arrest Jesus quietly without being observed in the open among the people who would have stood in the way. It was devious – and the leaders knew that money was tainted – it was an admission of ‘evil’ – that is was wrong. Today, we can withhold a gift to the work of the church – saying it is better invested in this or that and then I will be able to give more in the future. But that is wrong as well. Abel could have withheld his best lamb for breeding for the future development of his flock – he could have given a runt instead – but He didn’t and God blessed his gift. It makes a difference – it’s about who do I trust – my own use of the resources to make more in the future – or trusting in God now -knowing that God will bless what I bring sincerely and something that He has enabled me to bring – in spirit and in truth – humbly = integrity.
The chief priests did not put the monies back since it was not lawful. And yet their previous activities such and judging Jesus at night in the covering of darkness, that too was not lawful. They made a law for themselves to suit their ways. I need to be a person of integrity, doing what is right at all times and not be ruthless to have my own way for my own purposes. They were a law unto themselves. I need Jesus every hour to keep me walking in His way. Other need to see that I am His and He is mine.
I need Thee every hour,
Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their power,
When Thou art nigh.
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.