Two Kinds Of Religion

Prelude

Our churches will always be faulty, but God still works within His church? Purpose: How would Jesus judge today’s church? Plan: Let’s discuss two opposite ways that people operate within the church in Mark 12:38-44.

Outward Show

Mark 12:38-39 Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, 39 the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts,

Why did Jesus warn them to beware of the scribes? Their religion was a pretense. Do people today use the church for wrong motives?

What’s wrong with religious clothing and being greeted in public? Nothing! God instructed high priests to wear special clothing (Exodus 28:20). The problem is motive, wanting praise from men rather than praising God.

Scribes loved their titles and honor. But, their job was to give glory to God, not themselves. Should we avoid special clothing or titles? It’s a matter of motive not clothing or titles.

Greater Condemnation

Mark 12:40 “who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”

Scribes wrote documents other than the Scriptures. Corruption was inevitable, and is not unique to the Scribes. Christian history is replete with financial and property scandals. Preachers must preach faithfully and not be bribed into proclaiming what is popular and profitable.

A Poor Widow

Mark 12:41-42 “Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans [the smallest copper coin, a farthing, a quarter penny].”

Despite the sins of religious leaders, this widow still gave generously. It takes faith to see God in the sinful church. We don’t worship men, but Jesus Christ.

All She Owned

Mark 12:43-44 “So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, 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.”

Contrast the widow’s mites with the expensive perfume used to anoint Jesus. They picture the same thing, the generosity of love. Those who misuse the church and ignore or suppress the Bible’s message for selfish gain, will be exposed and selfless widows will receive great rewards.

Postlude

There are two kinds of religion: taking and giving. Like the widow, many stand out in a selfish world by their selfless giving. Have we yet learned that it is far happier to give than to get (Acts 20:35)?

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings

Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17; Psalm 127; Hebrews 9:24-28