November 10 2024

Mark 12:38-44

Mark 12:38–44 NIV

As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

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Over the next three weeks we are going to talk about three topics leading up to Advent as we begin preparing our hearts and minds for the birth of our savior.

Generosity

Gratitude

Thanksgiving

Time for a heart check —-

We are going to hook up to a Holy EKG this morning.

What is the condition of our hearts?

Jesus is teaching his disciples, and most times when we see Jesus making an illustration of some thing or some one he can see who he is talking about or see what he is talking about.

In this case he seems to have situated himself in proximity to the temple and he can probably see these men he is referring to.

—> He says to his disciples, “watch out/beware the scribes and Pharisees the teachers of the law.”

—> these are men who know the torah they know the commands and the laws. They know what the prophets have written. They should know God and God’s character.

Mark 12:38–40 NIV

As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

Mark 12:41–42 NIV

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

—> everyone is required to give

—> the option is how much

—> the court of women

—>13 money chests set up to take collections

—> lepta —> 1/2 a penny ; 1/128th of a days wages

Mark 12:43–44 NIV

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Generosity isn’t a question of quantity but a matter of quality.

The Wesleyan Bible Commentary, Volume 4: Matthew–Acts b. Commendation of Widow (12:41–44)

Jesus said that she cast in more than all the rest (v. 43). This was true both in the proportion and in the spirit of her giving. She gave her all, and so exceeded everybody else. Giving is not measured by the amount given, but by what is left over. It is the spirit of devotion and sacrifice which pleases God, and only He can judge fully as to that. It is the gift of love which brings joy to the heart of the heavenly Father. Cold, careless giving is never rewarded, no matter how much the amount of the gift.

—> we don’t know her motivations for this gift for sure but we know what Jesus tells us.

—> This widow has given everything.

—> Her livelihood to God

—> shows us three things

—> humility

—> it takes courage to give what others would consider a small gift.

—> trust

—> she gave everything, trusting God to provide for her.

—>

—> devotion

—> She kept showing up for worship

—> worshiping God despite her circumstances

—> widow

—> poor