The essential inquiry we undertake in this sermon centers on the necessity of appointing a treasurer within the ministry of Jesus. This question prompts an exploration of the underlying implications of resource management and financial stewardship in a spiritual context. We discover that Jesus’ ministry was not characterized by scarcity; rather, it demonstrated a systematic approach to financial oversight, as evidenced by the presence of Judas as the keeper of the money bag. The analysis reveals that structure and accountability are vital components of spiritual maturity, contradicting the notion that organization undermines faith. Ultimately, our discussion elucidates how money serves as a revealing agent of one’s character and priorities, emphasizing that Jesus neither rejected resources nor exhibited avarice, but instead modeled a profound stewardship that aligned with Kingdom purposes. The examination of Judas Iscariot's role as treasurer within the ministry of Jesus unveils a profound understanding of financial management and stewardship in a spiritual context. This sermon delves into the implications of having a treasurer, positing that such an appointment suggests a significant flow of resources requiring oversight. The Gospel of John reveals that Judas was the keeper of a money bag, indicating that Jesus' ministry was not characterized by scarcity but rather by a sustainable and structured approach to financial matters. This perspective challenges common assumptions about Jesus’ financial state, emphasizing that He operated with intention and purpose in the management of resources. The discussion further explores the dichotomy between spirituality and structure, proposing that an organized approach to finances is not only beneficial but essential for effective ministry. Jesus' example demonstrates that spiritual vitality does not exclude the necessity for accountability and order. The episode critiques the belief that disorganization equates to a deeper spirituality, instead highlighting how Jesus' ministry thrived within a framework of responsibility. Through the lens of Judas' failure, the sermon illustrates that financial trust must be coupled with accountability, revealing that money serves as a mirror to the heart rather than a source of corruption. Listeners are encouraged to engage in self-reflection regarding their financial practices and to embrace the call to stewardship with integrity. The episode concludes with practical applications aimed at fostering responsible financial management, urging believers to seek divine guidance in their efforts to become faithful stewards of the resources they have been entrusted with. This narrative ultimately reinforces the notion that Jesus was not opposed to resources but rather to the corruption and greed that can accompany them.

Takeaways:

1. Jesus appointed a treasurer because His ministry had sufficient resources to manage.
2. The presence of structure in Jesus' ministry demonstrates maturity and accountability, not a lack of spirituality.
3. Judas' mismanagement of finances revealed his character, rather than corrupting the money itself.
4. Jesus utilized money for Kingdom purposes, indicating a consistent practice of giving and stewardship.
5. Godly prosperity necessitates stewardship and accountability in financial management to protect the mission.
6. Jesus rejected the love of money and corruption, not the concept of wealth itself.

Welcome back to the series Jesus the Wealthy Savior.

In the first message, it showed us that Jesus entered the world with provision.

The second message revealed that Jesus ministry was sustainably funded through people.

And now we address a question many people overlook.

Why did Jesus need a treasurer at all?

You don't appoint a treasurer for nothing.

You appoint a treasurer when there are resources to manage.

In this third message, the treasurer Judas carried.

We are going to answer this question.

John 12:6 tells us he did not say this or because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief.

As a keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put in it.

Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to go to buy what was needed for the festival or to give something to the poor.

These verses are revealing quietly but unmistakably.

The Bible does not say Judas occasionally held a few coins.

It says Judas was a keeper of the money bag.

Now this implies ongoing inflow, regular outflow, operational needs, financial systems.

You do not steal from an empty money bag.

There was enough money to buy supplies, support, ministry, travel, give to the poor, require oversight.

And Jesus ministry was not hand to mouth.

Structure is a sign of maturity, not carnality.

Now some believers think organization kills spirituality.

Structure quenches faith.

But Jesus modelled order, rules and accountability.

He had disciples, inner circles, sending strategies and a treasurer.

Spiritual power does not replace structure, it demands it.

God is not allergic to systems.

He is allergic to disorder without integrity.

Jesus trusted Judas with money.

This is uncomfortable but important.

Jesus knowingly entrusted finances to a flawed man.

Why?

Because calling does not equal character.

Systems exist because people are imperfect.

Trust without accountability is not wisdom.

Judas failure does not indict Jesus finances.

It exposes Judas heart.

Money did not corrupt Judas.

It revealed him.

There was enough money to be stolen repeatedly.

Jesus tells John tells us Judas used to help himself.

That means repeated access, enough funds to skim without immediate detection and a flow that continued.

This reinforces a critical point.

Jesus ministry had surplus, not scarcity.

Yet Jesus never hoarded, he never flaunted, he never worshiped the money.

He stewarded it.

Jesus used money for kingdom purposes.

Meaning giving to the poor was normal practice.

Purchasing needs was a routine.

And money was already allocated for kingdom use.

Jesus ministry received money.

It managed money and distributed money.

This is financial discipline in action.

Now what this teaches us believers about godly prosperity?

Firstly, prosperity requires stewardship.

Money unmanaged becomes destructive even in holy environments.

And structure protects the mission.

Lack of accountability is not faith, it is negligence.

And money reveals the heart.

Wealth does not create sin, it exposes priorities.

And Jesus was not anti resources, he was anti corruption, anti greed and anti hypocrisy.

Some say Jesus was poor, so we must be poor.

But Scripture shows Jesus had resources, Jesus had systems, Jesus had a treasure.

And what Jesus rejected was love of money, abuse of power and self serving wealth, not money itself.

Here are some questions for reflection.

How do you view money management in ministry or personal life?

And 2.

Have you equated disorder with spirituality?

And 3.

Can God trust you with increase and accountability?

Here are some practical application points.

1.

Let us review how we manage our finances.

And let us introduce structure where there is chaos.

And let us ask God to make us faithful with much, not just content with little.

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus, you modeled wisdom, order and stewardship.

Teach us to handle resources with integrity.

Guard our hearts from greed while expanding our capacity for responsibility.

May we steward provision without worshiping it and use wealth to serve your kingdom and your people.

In Jesus name.

Amen.