Last week we discussed the "beautiful thing" a woman did by anointing Jesus with perfume worth a year's wages. The Gospel of John reveals that it was Judas Iscariot who voiced objection to her act of love (John 12:4). In fact, the beautiful thing this woman did - and Jesus' defense (Mark 14:6) - was likely the catalyst that drove Judas to the Chief Priests to betray Jesus (Mark 14:10).
Judas did not have his priorities straight. For three years he and eleven other disciples were mentored and taught by the Messiah Himself, yet he failed to realize the importance of Jesus Christ above all else in spiritual economies.
Remember, Jesus taught us how much He cares for us:
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:26).
"...see how the lilies of the field grow, they do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" (Matthew 6:28-30).
"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33).
Judas did not betray Jesus for a mere thirty pieces of silver. Judas betrayed Jesus because he didn't understand God's economics. He believed in the economics of the world - that money was the means of sustenance, the money which would come from power. But money is a tool - a means of exchange - it is not the source of life. Judas did an ugly thing and Judas killed himself soon after this (Matthew 27:5).
When the pressure is on - when you face hunger, homelessness, or the loss of other "security", remember that your security is not in money. Your security is in the promises of God. Turn to prayer, confident in Jesus' words from Matthew and throughout the Bible. Then be alert to His wonderful and unexpected provision from unexpected places.