Heart Motives in the Bible: What Judas and a Worshiping Woman Reveal

“Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests . . . From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus.”

Matthew 26:14,16

Dear Friends,

People-watching is an interesting and informative pastime. If you’ve ever sat and observed a group of people carefully, you will see many different things. Not only does every person look different, but they act, speak, and think differently. You can learn a lot just by watching.

The Fascination of People-Watching

I am always amazed at the wide variety of people I meet at auctions. Because I have the privilege of checking buyers into our sales, not only do I observe, but I also meet many wonderful people. They are all so unique.

People-watching is also helpful and important when reading the Bible. There are many examples of different personalities and responses – some to emulate, and some to avoid. Our diverse heritage, experiences, and temperaments shape who we are and how we handle life. While we have all been made in the image of God, sin has damaged this likeness causing varied responses to our circumstances.

In Matthew 26, we witness a powerful contrast in how two individuals respond to Jesus.

A Lavish Act of Worship

While dining at the home of Simon the leper, an uninvited woman came and poured an expensive perfume on Jesus’ head. This act was one of extravagant worship—an outpouring of love and devotion.

The disciples, however, misunderstood the woman’s heart motives. They were indignant and accused her of wasting the precious perfume. But Jesus, knowing the woman’s heart, responded by defending her and praising her sacrificial love.

Judas and the Thirty Pieces of Silver

Immediately after this startling interchange, we’re introduced to another character with a starkly different attitude. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, approached the chief priests and asked what they would give him in exchange for betraying Jesus. After settling on thirty pieces of silver, Judas began watching for the right moment to hand Jesus over.

What a contrast in heart motives! The woman humbly approached Jesus in worship, recognizing her need for grace. Judas, hardened by self-interest, betrayed the very one he had followed for years.

As people-watchers, we can observe only what’s visible. Sadly, I’ve occasionally checked in auction attenders who appeared trustworthy but later proved to be dishonest. Missing merchandise and video recordings revealed the truth. But Jesus as the Son of God sees beyond outward appearances into the heart.

Why Did Jesus Choose Judas?

Why then, did Jesus choose Judas, knowing he would betray Him?

Jesus’ choice of Judas was no mistake. According to the gospel of Luke Jesus spent all night praying before choosing the twelve disciples. The next morning, He chose from among His many followers, and Judas Iscariot was one of them.

This decision fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. Scripture foretold that a close friend would betray the Lord (Psalm 41:9). Likewise Zechariah, the prophet warned that a betrayer would take thirty pieces of silver as wages, but later throw the money away to buy a potter’s field (Zechariah 11:12-13). Jesus, knowing all of this, purposefully chose Judas, not out of error but in fulfillment of God’s plan to redeem the world.

From People-Watching to Self-Watching

While people-watching can be insightful, self-watching is even more important. Observing others can teach us about ourselves, but it should lead us to examine our own hearts. The Bible warns that “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). Proverbs encourages us to “watch over [our] heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

We can gain great wisdom from people-watching, especially from the people we read about in the Bible. Their stories help us reflect on our own heart motives. As we learn from others and about ourselves, we have choices to make. What warnings will we heed and what examples will we emulate?

Guarding Our Heart Motives

Reflect on these two different people in Matthew 26, and ask yourself:

How will I respond to Jesus –  with betrayal or worship?

Love,

Mama

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