THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:38-44
“This poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” (Mark 12:43)
Who are the well known christians of our day?
Who do people throng to see or hear, or to get an autograph from?
Our world has its celebrities, but so does the church!
But who does God celebrate, who does Jesus pay special attention to?
In this reading Jesus contrasts the religious leaders with this poor widow.
We notice the leaders, but Jesus notices the ones no one else sees.
We notice the pastors, the gifted musicians, the great teachers, the active members.
But do we miss how God is at work in those who don’t stand out or measure up?
Worse, do we write them off as less committed, less valuable to the church?
Every member of God’s family matters to Jesus, He sees their hearts and lives.
He sees through the showy side of faith, to what really lives in the heart.
He calls ‘saints’ the ones the church does not; He sees me, even if no one else does.
As I’ve come to know struggling sinners in the church, I’ve discovered secret saints.
Despite less than showy success, there is a hidden holiness that is easily missed.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, as I begin work in a new community, help me to see and celebrate the quiet, invisible saints among the sinners… the ones You see and know and love!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Jesus was a people watcher, but He saw more than you and I can see when we watch people. He sees the heart of the matter and I just see the outward actions. It all comes down to the basic command of love.
The religious leaders observed were full of themselves – all for their positions, self service – selfies – selfishness. They wanted prominence, recognition, self gain. This is contrary to the law of love – love God; love neighbour as was shown by the widow who gave all for Jesus. She spent her all lavishly like the perfume poured on Jesus feet.
With the gifts I have received, do I also enjoy giving liberally in the name of Christ. I too need to freely give.
God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name.
I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share his love as he told me to.
He said ‘Freely, freely you have received;, freely, freely give.
Go in my name, and because you believe others will know that I live.
All pow’r is giv’n in Jesus’ name
in earth and heav’n in jesus name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share his pow’r as he told me to.
He said ‘Freely, freely you have received;, freely, freely give.
Go in my name, and because you believe others will know that I live.
God gives us life in Jesus’ name
he lives in us in Jesus’ name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share his peace as he told me to.