Two short meditations:
Mark 12:38-40
It's easy to find others' faults, isn't it? I can read these verses about how the religious leaders of Jesus' day 'liked to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets' (v. 39) and I can say, "Well, I never do that. I don't need that kind of attention. They are such hypocrites." Ah, yes, it's always easy to point out the glaring flaws that others have. Jesus doesn't mince words, does he? "Such men will be punished most severely." (v. 40). But, Lord, give me the grace to remember that I also crave recognition and pats on the back. Help me to remember that I could so easily fall into the trap of those leaders.
Mark 12:41-44
Right after Jesus comments about these prideful teachers, he points out how the poor widow put only two very small copper coins in the offering plate, while the rich people were throwing in large amounts of cash. Her small coins were insignificant, just a drop in the bucket, so to speak. But Jesus says , "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They gave out of their wealth, but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on. "
We've all heard the expression "give until it hurts." I would say that this poor widow gave beyond that. The rich who threw in their big flashy checks had only given off the top - they had lots more in the bank. She gave all that she had.
What are you holding back from Jesus? Is it time? Talent? Treasure? He longs for us to give everything to him. He will bless us beyond measure. Trust him. He will never let you down.
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