Slices
Prepare
‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it’ (Psalm 24:1). Consider this thought: God owns everything. I owe him everything!
Bible passage
Warning against the teachers of the law
38 As he taught, Jesus said, ‘Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the market-places, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.’
The widow’s offering
41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few pence.
43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.’
Explore
Today’s passage is a compelling study in contrasts. First, Jesus issues a warning to watch out for the teachers of the law (vs 38–40) – a negative role model. Then he invites us to watch the widow (vs 41–44) – a positive role model.
As trustees of God’s law, the teachers of the law are entrusted with teaching God’s people. Instead, many of them take advantage of their position to feed their greed for power, positions and possessions, exploiting vulnerable people like widows (vs 38–40). While sternly condemning these powerful teachers (v 40), Jesus warmly commends a poor widow (v 43). In Bible times, a widow was not just someone who had lost her ‘significant other’; she was also an insignificant figure, frequently exploited by people who were significant in society (v 40). Yet, despite having no power, no status and very little money, this widow is an incredibly generous giver, demonstrating absolute trust in God by giving ‘all she had to live on’ (v 44). Contemplate the contrast: the teachers of the law grabbed everything they could but she gave everything she had!
Respond
While the rich dutifully paid their tithes (v 41), this widow’s giving was an expression of deep trust in God. How does your giving – of money but also time, talents and other treasures – measure up?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Daniel 4,5; 1 John 5
Pray for Scripture Union
Thank God for the Young Leaders’ weekend which took place recently. Pray that the young people who took part will grow in faith and impact their generation for Jesus. Pray too for those supporting them on that journey.
