Judas' Heart

Jesus had twelve special disciples who followed Him everywhere. They listened to all His teachings, watched His miracles, and learned how to love God and others. Jesus loved all his other disciples, but these twelve were closest to him. One day, Jesus was visiting friends in Bethany. While everyone was eating, a woman named Mary brought a bottle of very expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. The sweet smell filled the whole house. The disciples watched in surprise. "Mary loves Jesus very much," Peter whispered. But Judas was not happy. "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?" he asked. At first, Judas' words sounded caring and wise. Giving money to the poor seemed like a good idea. But Judas was not really thinking about helping poor people. The Bible tells us that Judas loved money and sometimes stole money from the disciples' money bag. Jesus knew what was in Judas' heart. "Leave her alone," Jesus said firmly. "She has done a beautiful thing for me." The other disciples were learning that loving Jesus was more important than becoming rich or important. But Judas was making a different choice. Instead of trusting Jesus' way, he began thinking more about money and what powerful people thought of him. He wanted things to happen his way, not Jesus' way. Even though Jesus knew what Judas was like, He still loved him. He continued to teach him, care for him, and give him opportunities to do what was right. This story reminds us that what is in our hearts matters. We can be close to Jesus and still make wrong choices if we love money, popularity, or our own plans more than we love God. Jesus wants us to have hearts like Mary's. We should love Him, trust Him, and gladly give Him our best.