Mark 12:41-43

1. Mark 12:41-43 “The Widow’s Mite”

2. Today our lesson deals with Mark 12:41-43, The account usually known as, “The Widow’s Mite.” Read the Text.

3. The Coin • According to the Expositor’s Bible Commentary Vol. 8,(Zondervan) the value of the coin was 1/64 of a common day laborer’s wage. The Greek word was “lepton” meaning, • “A tiny thing.”

4. The Coin • The English word for the same concept---mite.

5. The Coin • As you can see, the monetary value of the coin was exceedingly small in comparison to the large donations of the rich.

6. Widow’s Mite: This is a scanned picture of a widow’s mite.

7. The rich in this story were giving large amounts Pay To The Order Of ……. John Doe 2121 Walnut Lane Anywhere, USA 55512 2121 Date: _________ $ ________ _______________________________________ Dollars For: ______________

8. They are not condemned for doing so. In other places Jesus condemned showy religion—doing things to receive the praise of men.

9. In this case as we will see, there is condemnation of those who take advantage of the widows. There is no condemnation associated with the giving here.

10. Of whom much is given, much is required. Those who have the ability should support the work of the church generously.

11. To put it in today’s imagery, the rich were putting in huge cheques…..

12. Two Pennies …….while the widow only put in two pennies.

13. The Temple

14. The temple was a magnificent structure. I must have taken a lot of money to keep up.

16. According to Barclay, there were 13 trumpet shaped coffers in the courtyard between the court of the Gentiles and the court of the Women. This was derived from the old testament practice where cedar boxes had a hole drilled in the top to collect the offerings.

17. Observing the Giving of Others. • Filing past the collection Plate

18. Jesus observes the giving of the people When the widow puts in her coins, Jesus calls to the disciples to make sure they witness this event.

19. We are not supposed to be showing in our giving. However, it is impossible to not know something about other’s giving.

20. In the old days, people used to march past the collection plate and put in their collection Several of you in the audience are nodding assent to this practice.

21. While we are not to flaunt our giving, it is impossible to keep it completely unknown. Some churches have volunteers who count the contribution. Occasionally we just “find out” about a generous or stingy contribution.

22. Those who pass the collection plate cannot help but notice the actions of others. My three sons have all at times asked me innocently, “Dad, Why does so and so not give anything to the • church?”

23. I would answer, perhaps they are having some problems. Maybe they will change in the future. It is hard for them to understand. Sometimes it is hard for me to understand.

24. I have witnessed some very generous acts of giving. They just appear—gifts of money, sacrifice and commitment. Sometimes they are small acts that represent generosity of heart and spirit.

25. To sum up, the knowledge of our giving—intentionally or otherwise--can be a positive or negative influence.

26. The Condemnation of the Pharisees • Before: Mark 12:38-40 • “Big Hog at the Trough” • After: Mark 13:1-2 • Warnings to the establishment!

27. You might be surprised by a strange turn in this sermon. When we preach on the widow’s mite, we usually have unreserved praise for the widow’s contribution. This is appropriate, but there is also a little more going on here.

28. In the context, before and after, there is condemnation of the Pharisees for their greed and announcement that the temple will be torn down. This passage should not be used to “shake down”, those who are of limited means in order for the establishment to thrive.

29. Immediately before our passage Jesus says, Mark 12:38 (NIV) “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets.

30. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.” There is clear condemnation for those who would take advantage those who are in need.

31. In the society of Bible times, widows were extremely vulnerable. Upon the death of the husband, property went to the oldest son. Of course the son was supposed to take care of his mother (Remember the Ten Commandments: “Honor thy father and mother.”) But it did not always happen.

32. The teacher of the law was not supposed to receive any salary for his teaching. He had a second occupation. But he could accept gifts—and they courted the rich and widows in order to receive those gifts.

33. Sometimes, they would insist that the widows let them take care of their own estates—for their own good of course. Then they would plunder those estates.

34. I heard a good story recently. A man came into a nice city church came up to the secretaries’ desk and announced loudly and crudely, “ I want to talk to the head hog at the trough!”

35. The secretary said, “Sir! When people come into this church, they usually show a little more respect for the minister than that. I think you could speak a little more respectfully.” The man said, “Well, I just came into some money and I was thinking about donating $10,000 to the building fund.” “I’ll get the big pig for you,” said the secretary.

36. When we stand to benefit, there is a clear temptation involved. • Equally troubling is the prediction in Mark 13: The temple will be destroyed. This was near heresy in Jesus’ day.

37. It did not help his popularity. However, it serves as a warning to us today. God’s glory does not lie in elaborate buildings, ornate structures, or multi-million dollar facilities.

38. God’s glory is found in the hearts of His people—in acts of devotion as witnessed here. Yes: God uses great facilities in His service and to His glory. Yes: it takes sacrificial giving to accomplish these things. But we must be ware that we do not trust in them but in God.

39. This should be a clear warning to anyone who receives money from the preaching of the gospel. We are not to be dishonest or greedy in any way.

40. True strength does not lie in buildings or money or status, it relies on trust in God. We must not be in religion for pride or show.

41. The Challenge To “Clergy” • Leadership: (people paid by the church.) • Consecration--not Cash. • Never be in this for money or status only service. • The real lesson: Don’t be self-serving!

42. Here is the challenge to those supported by others. Go for consecration--not cash. Never consider ministry for money or status—only for service.

43. This lesson is not limited to those who are paid by others. The real lesson is not to be self-serving. Before we are too hard on the hard working preacher, let us consider what percentage of our own income that we keep for ourselves.

44. If we live a life of greed and do not support the work of the Lord, we are equally guilty of robbing God.

45. Don’t begrudge the preacher his salary as you drive around in a fancy car and go to a luxurious home. If so, you’re guilty of being self-serving as well.

46. The Commendation of the Widow • “They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything” • A life of trust. • A life of sacrifice. • A life of service.

47. This is not the only lesson, however. History has been correct to see the wonderful trust and generosity of the widow. She is a marvelous example of faith and self-sacrifice.

48. This widow gives all. In doing so, she casts her dependence upon God. She now must depend upon God.

49. I do not think that the main lesson is that she gave generously—but that she is showing absolute dependence on God. Her gift is contrasted with the rich people.

50. They gave generously, but had a great deal left over. She has given all and in doing so must (and chooses to) rely on God. She not only gives—she gives sacrificially.