The Corrupting Power of Money. Matthew 28:11-15
“11) Now while they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. 12) And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13) and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ 14) And if this should come to the governor’s ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble.” 15) And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews, and is to this day.” Matthew 28:11-15
With these verses, we discover that money twice paid a role in the crucifixion and resurrection story. It caused Judas to betray Jesus with a kiss and it caused these soldiers to become deceivers. The love of money not only put Jesus on the cross, it also and tried to roll the stone back over His grave. Both groups sold their souls to the devil for some money. Never underestimate the corrupting power of money.
Paul warned Timothy three times about the dangers of a love for money. In 1 Timothy 3:3 he said that overseers are to be free from the love of money. In 1 Timothy 6:10 he said that the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil. Finally, in 2 Timothy 3:2-4 he noted that in the end times people would become lovers of money and pleasure more than lovers of God.
At some point you need to win this battle in your life. Jesus warned in Matthew 6:24 that no one can serve two masters. You cannot serve both God and money. Your loyalty will serve one above the other. Never underestimate the corrupting power of money.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
