Countdown to Calvary
Mark 12:38-44
Genuine Truths Revealed Inside the Temple
Intro -
38 Then He said to them in His teaching…
Outside the Temple in courtyard of women
13 shophar shaped receptacles (according to Mishnah - new shekel dues, old shekel dues, bird offerings, young birds for the whole offering, wood, frankincense, gold for the mercy-seat, and six freewill offerings)
Jesus’ Condemnation 38-40
"Beware to discern mentally, observe, perceive, discover, understand of the scribes, a man learned in the Mosaic law and in the sacred writings, an interpreter, teacher. Scribes examined the more difficult and subtle questions of the law; added to the Mosaic law decisions of various kinds thought to elucidate its meaning and scope, and did this to the detriment of religion. Since the advice of men skilled in the law was needed in the examination in the causes and the solution of the difficult questions, they were enrolled in the Sanhedrin; and are mentioned in connection with the priests and elders of the people.
Showy living-false piety, one-upmanship
who desire to take delight in, have pleasure
to go around in long robes, a loose outer garment for men extending to the feet, worn by kings, priests, and persons of rank
²Shameful desires -
love greetings ἀσπασμός a salutation was made not merely by a slight gesture and a few words, but generally by embracing and kissing, in the marketplaces,
the best seats πρωτοκαθεδρία to sit in the first seat, the first or chief seat in the synagogues,
and the best places πρωτοκλισία the first reclining place, the chief place at table at feasts,
Shocking behavior –
who devour forcibly appropriate: widows' property
widows' houses,
Shallow teaching-legalistic, life-sucking leeches
and for a pretense; in pretence, ostensibly
make long prayers.
These will receive greater more superior condemnation."
41 Now Jesus sat perched himself opposite the treasury γαζοφυλάκιον This word is used to describe the apartments constructed in the courts of the temple, in which not only the sacred offerings and things needful for the service were kept, but this was also where the priests (etc.) resided (cf. Neh 13:7). The sacred treasury, public records, and even the property of widows and orphans were deposited here. Josephus speaks of treasuries in the women's court of Herod's temple. In the N.T., the term "near the treasury" seems to be used of that receptacle mentioned by the rabbis to which were fitted thirteen chests or boxes, i.e. trumpets, so called from their shape, and into which were put the contributions made voluntarily or paid yearly by the Jews for the service of the temple and the support of the poor. and saw θεωρέω how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich wealthy, abounding in material resources put in much. 42 Then one poor πτωχός widow reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms; destitute of wealth, influence, position, honour came and threw in two mites worth about a 1/5 of a cent, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly ἀμήν a spiritual truth, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."
Jesus’ Commendation 41-44
So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them
Her gift was Sacrificial
this poor widow has put in more than all
Her gift was Sincere
she out of her poverty
Her gift was Silent
she put in all that she had,
Her gift was Steadfast
it was her whole livelihood
App – Attitudes of the heart mean more to Jesus than the size or lack of size in a wallet. More spent in America on gambling than given in churches. People care more about the health of their pet than the soul of their neighbor.
Wow, an example of selfless giving. This widow was a picture of what Jesus was going to do.
