“But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, ‘Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’ This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.” John 12:4-6

Discontent

When our comfort zones are breached, we can easily become ill-at-ease or discontent. At this writing, when all in-person shopping (except for groceries) is denied us, when a night off from the kitchen is unavailable, when events we’ve looked forward to are canceled, we may get a little grouchy. We can become discontent about this place and time God has ordained for us. We have to purposely reject the tendency to be touchy about the smallest things. We must realize each time something flares up in our spirits that this isn’t a fight against flesh and blood.

Judas Iscariot was discontent. In particular, he wasn’t happy about Mary’s expenditure of costly perfume to wash Jesus’s feet, though he had no boundaries when it came to thieving the money box. He cared nothing for the poor. In short, he wanted things his way, and when that wasn’t attainable, he made trouble for everyone.

He probably never knew how closely he was aligned with Satan’s purposes. He likely didn’t realize the cosmic significance of his selfishness—and we likely don’t realize the significance of our own selfishness.

“Take heed of discontent. It was the devil’s sin that threw him out of heaven, ever since which this restless spirit loves to fish in troubled waters” (Trapp, quoted by David Guzik in his John 12 commentary).

Who of us has not swum in troubled waters? Waves swamp us. We kick and thrash to keep our head above water. We search frantically for a lifeboat, or a helping hand to pull us to safety. This is exactly where Satan’s restless spirit loves to fish. He exploits our weaknesses, jabs us with his darts, and sends us running with our tails between our legs (perhaps in fear, or perhaps in shame.)

Jesus, loving as always, tells us what to do with this discontent before we are overwhelmed. “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid…” (John 14:27).

Though He does not condemn us, “Let not.” Don’t allow it. Don’t give a troubled heart any elbow room. How? He says He’ll give His peace. Ask Him for it. Take it from His hand. It’s as if He’s saying, “Here you go. You need this. I have peace to give, and I’m giving it to you. No one else, and nothing in this world, can give peace like I can.”

When we finally realize we are discontent with our situation, let’s not swim aimlessly in those troubled waters. Let’s go straight to Him for His peace.

Jesus, we seek Your peace during troubled times. Help us not to be selfish or discontent, for You have given us what we need. Amen.