Day 12

In and around the Temple...

Mark 12:35-44 NIV84

While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, "How is it that the teachers of the law say that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: 'The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.' David himself calls him 'Lord.' How than can he be his son?"

The large crowd listened to him with delight.

As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted 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. Such 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 fraction of a penny.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, 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 brought attention to the teachers of the law. What did He have to say about them?

In contrast, He pointed out a poor widow. What did He say about her?

In reality, we are all poor widows --- for this reason David called the One who came after him: Lord. Only when we deceive ourselves can we take the prideful stance of the wealthy and the teachers of the law. Does this idea offend you? Or are you comfortable with the persona of the poor widow?

Father God, remind me that I have nothing that is not Yours already. Make me willing, like the poor widow, to commit all You've given me back to You for Your service.