Jack Benny's Choice
IllustrationStory★★★★IN ONE of his skits, the comedian Jack Benny would pretend to be robbed. A thief would approach him with a gun and say, “Sir, your money or your life?” Jack Benny would always put his fingers up to his head and look puzzled. The robber would repeat, “Your money or your life?” After a brief moment of silence, the robber would ask again in frustration, “Your money or your life!?” Jack Benny would finally answer him and say, “Hold on a minute. I’m thinking!” That’s the way a lot of people are. They’re so off in their perspective that they will give their life to get money—even if ultimately they only leave it to another.
The point
Jack Benny's comedic hesitation when asked "money or life" exposes how people prioritize wealth over life itself.
Scripture
Matthew 16:261 Timothy 6:7-8
Audience
Adults
Tone
Humorous · Convicting
To tell aloud
under a minute · 116 words