Scripture reading – Mark 12
The Synoptic Gospels
Our Scripture reading in Mark 12 parallels what we have read in Matthew 21-22 and Luke 20. For instance, Mark recorded the Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Mark 12:1-12), which we have considered in Matthew 21:33-36 and Luke 20:9-19. The question the Pharisees and Herodians posed regarding civil and religious authority is found in the Synoptic gospels (Mark 12:13-17; Matthew 22:15-22; and Luke 20:20-26). There is also the challenge of the Sadducees concerning the resurrection in Mark 12:18-27 (as it was in Matthew 22:23-33 and Luke 20:27-38. Even the question, “What is the greatest commandment?” is restated in Mark 12:28-34 (Matthew 22:34-40 and Luke 10:25-37).
For our Bible study, I invite you to direct your attention to a story known widely as “The Widow’s Mite,” but one I will subtitle: “A Portrait of Consecration” (Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4).
Remember, we are in the midst of Christ’s final week before the Cross.
Mark 12
Mark wrote, “Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much” (Mark 12:41).
The treasury of the Temple is believed to have been located in a large room known as the “Court of the Women.” Jesus sat and observed the rich bringing their offerings and making a great fanfare of the size or amount of their gifts (Matthew 6:1-2). As He looked on, a poor widow came to the Temple to worship the LORD with her offering, and it was no more than “two mites, which make a farthing” (Mark 12:42).
Who was this widow? Why did one who gave so little become an object lesson for giving one’s offering?
There are several items we note concerning the widow. The first is that she was alone, for she was described as a “poor widow” (Mark 12:42). Vulnerable, perhaps childless (or at least without one who cared to accompany her to the Temple), and lowly. Assuming the literal implication of being “poor,” she lived in an impoverished state.
Perhaps with a haggard countenance and in tattered robes, she came to the Temple to cast into the treasury “two mites” (the smallest Jewish copper coin), which together were equal to a small brass coin known as a farthing and was equal to about one cent (Mark 12:42).
Closing thoughts –
You might wonder, “So what?” I suggest the possibility of two perspectives on this story, known as “The Widow’s Mite.”
The first is the traditional interpretation: the widow’s offering was a great sacrifice in proportion to her means. In Christ’s judgment, she had given more than “all they which have cast into the treasury” (Mark 12:43). She had given what she could not spare. In contrast, the rich gave out of their abundance (Mark 12:43). She “cast in all” and trusted God to provide for her needs (Mark 12:44). Indeed, this poor widow’s offering was commended, not for the size of her gift, but for her sincere devotion to the LORD.
However, I invite you to consider another perspective and interpretation derived from the context of this story. In the verses prior, Christ warned His disciples to “Beware of the scribes…40Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation” (Mark 12:38-40).
Notice the warning was concerning men who seek the favor of men and take advantage of widows, devouring their wealth and means until they are left impoverished. In context, Christ was not teaching believers to give all they have with a promise that they will receive (i.e., the so-called “Prosperity Gospel” taught by modern-day charlatans). It was a warning of the judgment of those who brought this poor widow to having only two mites, which Jesus knew was “all that she had, even all her living” (Mark 12:44).
Lesson – Jesus promised the wealthy, unscrupulous scribes would “receive greater damnation” (Mark 12:40), while God’s heart was compassionate and merciful for the widow who gave her all.
Questions to ponder:
1) Why did Jesus warn His followers to “beware” the scribes? (Mark 12:38-40)
2) Why were widows particularly victims of the scribes? (Mark 12:40)
3) Where was Jesus sitting when He observed the widow? (Mark 12:41-42)
4) What was significant about the widow’s offering when compared to that given by the wealthy? (Mark 12:44)
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
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