“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, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 12:41-44, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method:
- What do we learn from the passage about God?: God knows both our actions and our intent - our heart, motives. He is all knowing. See these examples from scripture about how God knows everything. He cares most about our heart and our intent. Many people put large sums of money into the treasury (v41). The poor widow put in a very small amount but her motive and intent was to give as a true sacrifice, depending on God for her provision. That is what God seeks from us - motives, intent and a heart to obey His command to love Him and then others. See also vv28-34.
- What do we learn from the passage about people?: Many act as means to bring glory to themselves. See v41 as an example where rich people put in large sums of money into the temple treasury - the text contrast this from the widow who gave out of sacrifice. The actions of the rich people are prideful and not what God seeks. We must glorify God (not ourselves) in all that we do - this is why we exist. See 1 Corinthians 10:31.
- Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid pride. Follow the example of the widow to give sacrificially.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves. You know everything about me, including my sin yet You loved me first, and while still an enemy and hostile to You, saved me. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love! My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
