WARNING AGAINST THE TEACHERS OF THE LAW

Mark 12:38-44 / Keywords 12:44

They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on."

 

12:38 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, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

The Widow’s Offering

41 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. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Footnotes

g. Mark 12:31 Lev. 19:18

h. Mark 12:36 Psalm 110:1

1. Jesus warned against the influence of the teachers of the law. He 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.” The teachers of the law acted like they had a great relationship with God. In reality, they had no relationship with God. They lived in front of people’s eyes. We should watch out for people who appear to live before God, yet in reality live before human eyes. God judges our hearts. We need to live before God and live blameless before him.

 

2. Jesus watched people bring offerings to the temple. 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.” Jesus accepted the poor widow’s offering. God sees our hearts rather than outward doing or giving. When we live before God and give all we have out of our reverent fear before him, he is most pleased.

 

Prayer Lord, Help us to offer all we have to live on before you, out of thanksgiving.

One Word Give everything to Jesus!