Why Am I Blessed?

I’m blessed to be a blessing

John 12:1–8 (ESV)

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2. They gave a dinner for Him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. 3. Mary took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard and anointed Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. The house filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4. But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples (the one who would betray Him), said, 5. “Why was this ointment not sold for 300 denarii and given to the poor?” 6. He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7. Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8. For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

10 Verses Showing God’s Desire for Us to Live a Blessed Life

Joshua 1:8 (ESV): “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Malachi 3:10 (ESV): “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV): “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
Psalm 128:1-2 (ESV): “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.”
Proverbs 3:5-10 (ESV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. […] Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”
Proverbs 10:22 (ESV): “The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Philippians 4:19 (ESV): “And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
3 John 1:2 (ESV): “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”

If it is God’s desire for us to live blessed lives, then we must ask, “What are these blessings for?”

Am I Generous?

Generosity Attracts God’s Blessing

“Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard and anointed Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. The house filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (John 12:3)

Mary’s Offering Was an Extravagant Offering: Mary showed that nothing is wasted when spent on Jesus.
Generosity Reflects God’s Character: When we are generous, we look and act like our Father in heaven.

Greed Repels God’s Blessings

“But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples (the one who was about to betray Him), said, ‘Why was this ointment not sold for 300 denarii and given to the poor?’ He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.” (John 12:4-6)

Mary’s Extravagant Generosity Exposed Judas’ Greedy Heart: Her offering revealed that generosity is more than just an action—it’s an attitude.
God Blesses Giving with the Right Attitude: God rewards those who give with a sincere and generous heart.

Warning Signs of a Greedy Heart:

Jealousy of others’ success
Discontent
Materialism
Lack of gratitude
A critical spirit

Why Would Jesus Put Judas in Charge of the Money?
Jesus’ choice of Judas to oversee the moneybag could be seen as a test, revealing character and intentions.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV): “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

3. God Is the Rewarder of Both the Generous and the Greedy

Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” (Mark 14:6–9)

Jesus Rebuked the Greedy Heart
Jesus Rewarded the Generous Heart

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): “And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”

Repays His Wages (misthapodotēs): It is in God’s nature to reward those who seek Him with the right attitude.

The Question Remains: Am I Generous?
Here’s the good news: You can move your heart!

Matthew 6:19–21 (ESV): “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Your heart will always follow your treasure!