Holy Week – Wednesday

As Jesus was leaving the temple He warned His disciples against the religious leaders. They had a great responsibility of shaping the faith of the people, but instead they made up petty rules while living greedily and deceitfully. Their behavior oppressed and misled the very people they were supposed to lead.

In contrast to the religious leaders, Jesus took note of a poor widow who was also at the temple. Mark 12: 41-42 reads, “Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.”

Isn’t that fascinating! Jesus is a people watcher. Just picture Him sitting near the entrance of the temple and watching people. Seeing their interaction with one another and knowing their hearts.

Not only was she poor; as a widow she had few resources for making money. Her small gift was a sacrifice, but she gave it willingly. In Jesus’ eyes this poor widow gave more than all the others put together. The value of the gift is not determined by its amount, but by the spirit in which it is given.

Not only did they people watch, but they took in the sites of their surroundings as well. As they left the temple His disciples commented on the magnificent buildings. About 15 years before Jesus was born, Herod the Great began to remodel and rebuild the temple. Herod made the temple one of the most beautiful buildings in Jerusalem – not to honor God, but to appease the Jews whom he ruled.

Jesus said to His disciples, “Do you see all these great buildings?” “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” Jesus gave them a prophetic picture of what was to come, including events leading up to it. He also talked about future events connected with His return to earth to judge all people. He warned His followers about the future so they could learn how to live in the present.

Many of us have done our fair share of people watching. We have heard many say they know when the Lord is returning and they tremble at current world events. Jesus warned us about this, “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.  When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.  Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.” “You must be on your guard.” (Mark 13: 5-9)

In other words, you do not have to wonder whether a certain person is the Messiah or whether these are the “end times.” When Jesus returns, you will know beyond a doubt, because it will be evident to all true believers. Beware of groups who claim special knowledge of the last days, because no one knows when that time will be. Be cautious about saying, “This is it!” but be bold in your total commitment to have your heart and life ready for Christ’s return. (Life Application Study Bible)

There are those contrasts again. Just as the Jewish people had religious leaders that Jesus warned them about, so do we. Jesus is still a people watcher. Just picture Him sitting at the right hand of the Father watching people. Seeing their interaction with one another and knowing their hearts.

Many of the events that Jesus predicted have been fulfilled. Others are still yet to happen in the future. Some of the disciples lived to see the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Those events assured them that everything else Jesus predicted would also happen.

Jesus gave us these words for a reason, to reassure us. The warning signs and the four short verses that tell the story of the poor widow are in His word for a purpose. Jesus is watching and will be returning. He sees our hearts and His desire is that we would be bold in our total commitment to have our hearts and lives ready for Christ’s return. We don’t need to wonder when He’ll return or be in fear of current events. He wants us to be fully committed to following and trusting Him.

The widows’ offering was bold and she gave all she had to live on. God gives to us so that we can give to others. Don’t worry; He will take care of the details.

Personal reflection:

• Are we watching in fear at our surroundings more than we are trusting God?
• Are the motives of our heart to honor God or please people?
• Are we giving our best and all to God, trusting His provision in our lives?

My Prayer

Father, Your word is fascinating to me. These little verses are such a treasure and I pray that I will see Your message and trust You. That I will fully commit all I am and all I have to You. I know that no matter what life brings, You will provide and You will return. Thank you for keeping a watchful eye on me and I pray that my heart and interactions with others will bring You joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Mark 12: 43-44

“Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”