The Widow and the Teachers of the Law

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

The Widow and the Teachers of the Law

Date: Jul. 20, 2016

Passage

Mark 12:38-44 (ESV)

38 And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces 39 and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40 who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 12:44

For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

First, watch out for the teachers of the law (38-40). This passage contrasts two people-the teachers of the law and a poor widow. Jesus warned his disciples to watch out for the teachers of the law. They were proud of their piety and their knowledge of the law. But their pride turned them away from God. Instead of helping people come to God, they devoured widows' houses and walked around haughtily in flowing robes. Prideful people like this will be punished most severely.

Second, the poor widow gave all she had (41-44). Jesus and his disciples watched as many people put money into the temple treasury. The wealthy put in much money, but Jesus made no comment on them. Then a very poor widow put in a seemingly very insignificant offering. It was only with a fraction of a penny. Her offering could not help anyone. Jesus praised her because she gave to God all she had. This widow loved God with all her heart, soul, mind and strength. So God would commend her.

Prayer: Lord, help me to give up my pride and be like the widow. Help me to give all I have to you.

One Word: Give all I have to God

Jacob Becomes a Married, Working Man

Genesis 29:1-30

Key Verse: 29:25

And in the morning, behold, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?”

Today's Question

What is sinful about man’s fallen condition?

See answer and references