Massive Money Meltdowns. What was the common feature?

Jesus flipped the tables and the script on the Temple money changers. But why? Travelers came in from everywhere and truly needed to make change. To buy the sacrificial animals which they could not easily transport over long distances.

Ananias and Sapphira. They sold a property for the church, to benefit those in need. But.... they did not disclose the whole story. Hours later their friends were wondering what they might say at the funeral. And what to write in the obituary.

Simon, a former magician, just wanted to see that others 'received the Holy Spirit'. Even offered to pay for it.

In each case, there was a hidden agenda. And an undisclosed motive of personal profit. Same as the dreaded tax collectors of this era.

Despite these dramatic stories with surprizing unhappy endings, determined fake people still smile at you as they transform the Jesus story into the greatest story ever sold.

Freely we received, freely let us give.