Stewarship
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Beware of the Scribes
Beware of the Scribes
In Jesus’ time there were many who liked to devour the community. They walked around and made big speeches and tried to appear to be very religious. But Jesus warns them here to beware of those who appear to be seated with honor. Jesus says that they were devouring widows. What do you make of this? Do you think this still applies today?
Jesus says that they will receive their condemnation. Does this bother you at all? Should Jesus have the authority to judge?
Lets think about what he says they do. 1. Walk around basically like they are important, sitting in the best seats, and places of honor at feasts. 2. Devour widows’ houses and 3. Make long prayers
You see these people were pretend Christians, who used their place of position to dictate their life rather than their life in Christ to dictate who they were.
The Widow’s Offering
(NRSV)
The Widow’s Offering
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41 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. Notice that Jesus is watching. Jesus takes a seat across from the collections plates and watches how people give.
How does that make you feel? Now many wealthy people came through and gave much, from their wealth.
(NRSV)
42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. You just have to think that many of the wealthy people looked down on this poor widow with judgement as she gave her penny. What do you think Jesus was thinking?
(NRSV)
43 Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.
(NRSV)
44 For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
Ask yourself, am I contributing as my Lord would ask me to? Or do I have underlying circumstances that cause me to not give accordingly? Jesus uses this as an opportunity to teach. Will you allow Him to teach you?Or, do you feel you have it all figured out? Do you think the wealthy givers had this all figured out?
This widow was who Jesus choose to use as the measure for giving. God directs us to give our tithe to the Him, and He trusts that we will give from the wealth He gives us, yet the wealthy look at what they give as a lot of money; perhaps too much. Yet the widow gives all she has. Ask yourself, If Jesus knows what the widow has; does He not also know what I have?