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Read Ebook: Matthew on Money by Keister Lawrence
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Ebook has 67 lines and 7060 words, and 2 pages
It is apparent that the disciples are not yet free from commercialism or they would know that devotion to Christ always helps and never hinders ministering to the poor. They are devoted to Jesus and whether they know it or not they are concerned about His approaching death and His victory over sin. But this woman surpassed them in devotion and in anticipating that victory. Of course there came a time when no ointment was too precious to measure the interest or express the devotion of these same disciples.
Right after Mary's act of devotion Matthew places Judas' deed of defection. Life is logical in its course and outcome. "Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap." Faith in Christ is not the same as doubt and denial, at the beginning, in its process, or at the end. The two are radically different and this difference must appear at the end if nowhere else. Extremes may meet but they are still extremes.
The devotion that anointed Jesus for his burial may have incited Judas to betray him. He is indignant and must act and the nature of his act was determined by his own character. "Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said, 'What are ye willing to give me, and I will deliver him unto you?' And they weighed unto him thirty pieces of silver."
Judas assumed the right to sell Jesus as Satan assumed the right to bestow the world as a gift. The chief priests gladly act on the assumption of Judas and Jesus was sold by the latter and purchased by the former as though he were a slave. The bargain is satisfactory to buyer and seller, the purchase price is paid and accepted and the transaction is complete! If this contract takes any account of the innocence of Jesus, his wonderful teaching and his miraculous ministry it is as so many counts against him.
Men always throw the cloak of charity over their shoulders when they propose to do an uncharitable thing. They will build the tombs of the prophets who are dead while they arrange to betray God's living leaders. They take care of their reputation but neglect their character. They do popular things which in no way commit them to the cause of Christ. But men cannot remain indifferent to Christ. He literally compels decision, and men must choose, their choice lying between sale and service, the defection of Judas and the devotion of Mary. There is no resting place between the two. The Christ leaves no room for doubt and indecision for just as sure as he did he would not be the Christ.
Recapitulation
Matthew's references to money are found here and there, not random remarks or unrelated statements, but parts of the truth, which fit together in an "orderly procession of thought." They embody an ideal, reveal motives, describe character and show us the evil use of money lest we be deceived and misled.
The Wise Men gave in recognition of Christ as the promised King while Satan proposed to give in order to dethrone Him.
Christ came to fulfil the law, to raise religion to its proper level. According to Him, motives count, and in prayer and alms-giving point unerringly to the source of reward.
Our earth-life is not to be earth-bound. Men are called upon to lay up treasures in heaven wisely anticipating their appearance there.
Christ gives authority to men whom he sends forth as his representatives. They are not to rely on cash or clothes but to trust God for the truth they teach and power to sustain them, and the people for food and shelter.
Peter's mistake about the tax arose from inadequate knowledge of Christ after years of instruction and at the close of the earthly life of Jesus. Riches are an obstruction to rich men but not to saved men.
A right idea of God and a right relation to God prepare men for a right use of money and any talent they possess.
The woman who anointed Jesus manifested her devotion and the man who betrayed Him gave vent to his disappointment and proclaimed his disaffection.
Transcriber's Notes
--Silently corrected a few typos.
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