The Widow's Mite and the Pastor's Mercedes Mark 12:41-44

In Mark 12:1-12, Jesus tells a parable about how the religious elite in Israel are wicked and violent, and how God has rejected them.

There were three types of religious rulers at this time. The Pharisees had the most power, and were known for being very accurate in their understanding of the Old Testament. The Sadducees were similar, but disagreed with the Pharisees about the Resurrection from the dead, (they didn't believe in it). The Scribes were responsible for hand-copying all of the Old Testament texts.

In Mark 12:13-17, the Pharisees try to trap Jesus by asking him whether or not the Jews should pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus cleverly escapes their trap.

After this, the Sadducees attempt to trap Jesus by asking him about the Resurrection from the dead, (which they don't believe in). Again, Jesus escapes the trap. After this, the Sadducees attempt to trap Jesus by asking him about the Resurrection from the dead, (which they don't believe in). Again, Jesus escapes the trap.

Lastly, one of the Scribes tests Jesus by asking which is the Greatest Commandment. Jesus' answer leaves everyone in silence, and none of the leaders dare to question him again. Lastly, one of the Scribes tests Jesus by asking which is the Greatest Commandment. Jesus' answer leaves everyone in silence, and none of the leaders dare to question him again.

But Jesus isn't done yet. In Mark 12:35-37, he challenges the Scribes' understanding of one of the most important Messianic Psalms, pointing out that the Messiah will be both a descendant of David AND the David's Lord. But Jesus isn't done yet. In Mark 12:35-37, he challenges the Scribes' understanding of one of the most important Messianic Psalms, pointing out that the Messiah will be both a descendant of David AND the David's Lord.

[Jesus] said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” (Mark 12:38-40) [Jesus] said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” (Mark 12:38-40)

Notice that Jesus indicts the Scribes for seeking to be reputable and well-liked, and for “devouring widows' houses,” which indicates greed, corruption, and taking advantage of the weakest in society. Notice that Jesus indicts the Scribes for seeking to be reputable and well-liked, and for “devouring widows' houses,” which indicates greed, corruption, and taking advantage of the weakest in society.

Jesus assures us that such will receive “greater condemnation.”

And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. (from Mark 12:41)

Many rich people put in large sums. (from Mark 12:41)

And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. (Mark 12:42)

Mark 12:43 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.

“For they all contributed out of their abundance... (from Mark 12:44)

but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (from Mark 12:44)

And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” (Mark 13:1)

And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” (Mark 13:2)

Those who are in service to God – pastors, preachers, missionaries, church workers – are held, by God, to a much higher standard than everyone else. They are judged with greater strictness, and their condemnation is more severe.

Jesus indicts the greed and corruption of the religious leaders, who devour widows' houses. He then witnesses the pure- hearted widow putting in all of her belongings, giving all she has to God. Lastly, he proclaims that this “temple” is going to be burnt to the ground. Forty years later, in 70 A.D., that is exactly what happened.

They are not to “devour widows' houses,” making themselves fat from the offerings of the poor and vulnerable. They are not to manipulate people into giving their money, only to turn around and use that money to buy frivolous things that they don't need.

Similarly, the rich are held to a higher standard than the poor. When they give, it should not be just out of their abundance. “It's not about how much you give – it's about how much you have left.” - Shane Claiborne

The most dangerous and vile endeavor is this: To claim to be a servant of Jesus, only to make yourself rich off of the offerings of the poor.

Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. (1 Corinthians 9:13-15)

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:10-12