The Scribes and the Widow (Mark 12:38–44) — A Sermon by R.C. Sproul

Summary

In this sermon on Mark 12:38-44, the speaker contrasts the hypocrisy of the scribes, who exploit the vulnerable for status, with the profound devotion of a poor widow who gives her meager offering of two mites. Jesus commends the widow for her sacrificial giving, emphasizing that true devotion lies in giving from the heart rather than from abundance. The message challenges listeners to reflect on their own attitudes toward giving and commitment to God, reminding them of Christ's ultimate sacrifice and inviting them to live lives marked by genuine generosity.

Takeaways

• 📖 Jesus warns against the hypocrisy of the scribes, highlighting their desire for status and exploitation of the vulnerable.
• 👗 Scribes wore long robes as a symbol of their authority and sought public recognition through greetings and privileged seating.
• ⚖️ The scribes' actions, including devouring widows' houses, demonstrate a significant moral failure in their leadership.
• 💰 Jesus observes the treasury and contrasts the giving habits of the rich with the sacrificial offering of a poor widow.
• 👵 The widow's contribution of two mites symbolizes true devotion and sacrificial giving, despite its monetary insignificance.
• 💔 Jesus emphasizes that the value of a gift lies in the heart behind it, not merely in its financial amount.
• 👀 Jesus' observation of the widow's gift serves as a lesson in genuine spirituality and selfless service to God.
• 🔍 The importance of discerning true devotion versus mere appearances is a central theme in this passage.
• ✝️ Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice parallels the widow's giving, as He gave His life fully for humanity.
• 🙏 True generosity is defined by the willingness to give all we have to God, reflecting our love and trust in Him.

Q & A

What warning does Jesus give about the scribes?

Jesus warns to 'Beware of the scribes' because they seek honor and status rather than true spiritual devotion, and they exploit vulnerable individuals such as widows.

What specific behaviors of the scribes does Jesus criticize?

Jesus criticizes the scribes for their love of prestige, such as wearing long robes, seeking the best seats in synagogues, and making long prayers for show, while taking advantage of widows.

How does Jesus contrast the giving of the wealthy with the widow's offering?

Jesus points out that the wealthy give out of their abundance without sacrifice, while the widow, though poor, gives all she has, demonstrating true devotion.

What does the term 'two mites' refer to in the context of the widow's offering?

Two mites refer to a very small amount of money, less than two cents, representing the widow's total contribution, which was a mere fraction of a day's wage.

What lesson does Jesus teach through the widow's donation?

Jesus teaches that the value of a gift is not determined by its monetary amount but by the heart and sacrifice behind it; the widow's small gift is more significant than the larger gifts of the wealthy.

How does the sermon connect the widow's offering to the broader theme of sacrifice in Christian teaching?

The sermon connects the widow's offering to the theme of sacrificial giving, highlighting that true devotion often involves giving from one's poverty rather than abundance, similar to Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

What does the phrase 'greater condemnation' imply about the scribes?

The phrase 'greater condemnation' implies that those in positions of spiritual authority, like the scribes, bear a heavier responsibility for their actions and teachings, leading to stricter judgment.

What significance does the temple treasury hold in the context of this passage?

The temple treasury is significant as it symbolizes the central place of worship and community support, where offerings were made for various temple needs, reflecting the spiritual and financial state of the people.

How does the sermon illustrate the impact of societal status on generosity?

The sermon illustrates that societal status often leads individuals to give based on their surplus rather than their need, contrasting the lavish donations of the wealthy with the sacrificial gift of the widow.

What can modern believers learn from the widow's example?

Modern believers can learn the importance of selfless giving and true devotion to God, recognizing that even small contributions, when given with a sincere heart, are valuable in the eyes of God.