Jesus said something that leaves no room to bargain: “No servant can serve two masters... You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Lk 16:13)
The Pharisees heard it, and Luke notes that they, “who were lovers of money,” derided Him (Lk 16:14). They were the people of God by name. They tithed, they prayed long prayers, they knew the law. But underneath all of it, they served another master.
To these Pharisees, religion had become a way to get. Behind a screen of long prayers and public piety, they preyed on those least able to fight back. They tithed down to the last herb yet neglected the more important matters of having justice, mercy and faith (Matt 23:23). Jesus described them as devouring widows’ houses (Matt 23:14).
The gospel remade for gain
Unfortunately, the same trade is offered today. Across much of the wider Christian world, the message has drifted from “take up your cross” to just “name and claim your blessing.”
The gospel of grace is remade into a gospel of wealth, and Jesus into a god who grants wishes. This gospel sells, because it promises the greedy heart exactly what it already wants: more money, more comfort, more of what this world prizes.
When nearness to God is no protection
What happens when money climbs onto the throne? Elisha refused a fortune from Naaman after God healed Naaman through him. However, his servant Gehazi could not let the silver go. He chased Naaman down, lied to get it, and hid it away (2 Kgs 5:20-27). The leprosy Naaman had been cured of came and clung to Gehazi instead.
Judas walked with Jesus for three years. He carried the disciples' money box, and helped himself to what was put in it, certain no one saw (John 12:6). It was this love of money that finally led Judas to sell his Master for thirty pieces of silver (Matt 26:14-15).
Nearness to holy things, and even to holy people, is no protection once the heart has chosen money. We who spend time near God and His people must check our heart.
What do you want from God?
The crowds who followed Jesus were not exempt from this. The day after He fed thousands, they came looking for Him.
But Jesus saw their inner thoughts: “You seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled” (Jn 6:26). It was the bread they wanted, and not the One who broke it.
What do I actually want from God? If I follow Him for His gifts of comfort, increase, an easier life… then I have made Him a means, and my benefits an end.
And so we tell our hearts to fix our eyes on the mightiness of our Lord. Serve God because He is God, our King of Kings. Let Him give or withhold as He sees fit, and keep your heart set on Him alone.
Prayer
In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Father, search my heart and show me what I am really seeking when I come to You. Forgive me for the times I have wanted Your gifts more than I have wanted You. Be my only Master. Teach me to receive what You give without clinging to it, and to love You the same whether You give or withhold. Amen.
Reflection questions
When you pray, what are you usually asking God for, and what does that reveal about what you want most from Him?
Where might you be using faith, service, or giving as a way to get something rather than to honour God?
If God gave you nothing more than He already has, would He still be enough for you?
