Mark 12:35-44

Bringing the sermon home:

While teaching in the temple (likely still on the Tuesday before Good Friday), Jesus poses a question about Psalm 110:1 to show that He, as the long-promised Messiah, is far greater than what the teachers of the law anticipated He would be, for He is more than just a son of David: He is the Son of God. It’s by turning to the Scriptures that Jesus corrects false conceptions about Himself. What false conceptions of Jesus do you have that need to be corrected by the Scriptures?

Jesus then wraps up His public ministry by moving from correction to condemnation, issuing His most explicit warning of coming judgment thus far as He declares of the scribes: “They will receive the greater condemnation.” Why? Because they sought their own glory at the expense of others, even to the point of having Jesus killed out of envy (15:10). Do you thirst for the praise of others? Are you quick to take notice when you are not recognized for the work you do? Such a fixation will deprive you of the joy of giving without taking.

Before leaving the temple for the final time, Jesus draws His disciples near for one final lesson within those courts as He moves from the topic of condemnation to commendation. For the third time in as many days, Jesus watches outward displays of worship while seeing through to the heart of the worshippers. Standing in front of an offering box, Jesus teaches that the amount we give is not measured in proportion to the amount that others give. In God’s eyes, the amount we give is measured in proportion to the amount we keep.