Do Good Quietly

 

 Mark 12:38-44

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 marketplaces, ³⁹ and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor 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 cents.

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.”

We have a clear contrast between the showy teachers of the law and the poor humble widow, and an example of how we we should live...doing our good deeds as small as they might be, quietly and without calling attention to them or to us. "She gave out of her poverty, all she had to live on." When we think about this, it takes on a heroic dimension and presents a real challenge to us, who may give, but not to the extent she did. Perhaps it's time for us to examine our motives and actions in this regard. Can we put our own needs and wants aside for the sake of someone who has less?

Bro. Rene

Dear God, may I learn from the example of this poor widow what it really means to give without holding back. Amen.