Theme

Jesus appraises and applauds the value of true, humble, faithful religion.

Text

And in his teaching he 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.”

And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 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, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Discussion Questions

1. Can you think of a time when someone "gave small," but it turned out to be far more significant than anyone realized?
2. What does Jesus condemn in verses 38–40? Why do you think Jesus groups public prayers with "devour[ing] widows’ houses" (v. 40)? cf. Ezk. 34:1–3.
3. How does Mark describe the giving in vv. 41–42? According to Jesus, in what sense does the widow "put in more"?
4. Read Matt. 23, which provides greater detail of Jesus' condemnation of the scribes. What contrast do you see between the scribes and the widow in our text? What does this contrast teach us about true devotion to God? cf. 2 Cor. 9.
5. What does this text reveal about what Jesus notices and values in His people? How might this convict you? Encourage you? cf. 1 Sam. 16:7; Matt. 6:1–4.
6. Read Jn. 3:16. How does the giving in that verse relate to the giving that ought to go on in the church? cf. Rom. 3:23–24; 5:15–17; Titus 2:11–14; 1 Jn. 4:7–12
7. How might this passage help you grow in worship, giving, and service to God?

Transcript

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