Have you ever had to be around a really proud person, one who felt he or she was better than everyone else? It’s not too pleasant! They think they’re smarter than anyone around them, and better looking. Their job is better, along with their house, and their car. They live in a better community, have a better spouse, children, etc. You get the picture. And it’s even worse when they think they should have special honors from others because of their greatness. Jesus was not impressed with these people, as we will see in our Scripture for today.
As today’s Scripture passage begins, Jesus warned His listeners to beware, watch out, and guard against the evil influences of others. In this case, Jesus warned against allowing the examples of the scribes to influence them (vs. 28-40). Scribes in the time of Jesus were well-educated men who would write and interpret legal documents and manuscripts, and who knew the Jewish religious law. In a society where not everyone was well-literate, their services were in high demand.
Because of this, they, along with the Pharisees, would frequently exalt themselves in public. They wanted homage and reverence shown when greeted in public, with accolades extolling their honor. They dressed in rich, expensive clothes, indicating their wealth and status. Wherever they went, whether to the synagogue on the Sabbath, or to restaurants or public gatherings, the scribes would expect the best seats in the house. They felt they were so much better than anyone else. As Jesus pointed out, though, many of them got a lot of their wealth through dishonest dealings and scams with the poor and vulnerable in society, particularly widows. And in spite of their shady dealings and overwhelming pride, the worst thing was that the scribes tried to look devout and holy in the eyes of others (vs. 40).
The religious leaders at this time were responsible for shaping the faith of the people. Instead, they put heavy burdens on them, with unnecessary legalistic rules. They swindled the poor for money. Their behavior oppressed and misled the very people they were supposed to lead. We see people who act like the scribes did today, as well. Jesus warned us against following their example. Doing religious activities, such as reading the Bible or praying in public, can be phony if the motive for doing them is to be noticed or given honor, as the scribes wanted. God wants us to live for Him even when no one is looking. He will also harshly judge those who take advantage of the poor and vulnerable, as He continually warns throughout all of the Bible.
As our Scripture continues, Jesus went to the area in the Temple where the offering boxes were, and sat where He would have a view of the people as they gave their offerings (vs. 41-44). A number of the people made a big show of how much they were giving. They wanted to attract attention, and receive the smiles and words of approval from the people for the size of their offering. This did not impress Jesus one bit. So many people, both then and today, want people to know what they give to the church and other charities. They want others to pat them on the back, telling them how wonderful and great they are for the big amounts of money they give.
God does not measure giving by our human standards. When Jesus saw a poor widow come and drop in two mites, He was impressed. A mite is just a fraction of one cent, the smallest coin. Jesus knew she was poor. She was a widow. In Biblical times widows had no way of supporting themselves. Unless they had children who were willing to take them in, they could literally starve to death. The Greek word “poor” used in verse 42 is “ptochos”, which would mean a pauper, someone who was more than just plain poor. This woman was destitute. The little she gave was all that she had.
In the Lord’s eyes, this poor widow gave more than all the others put together. The value of a gift is not determined by its amount, but by the spirit in which it is given. A gift given grudgingly, or for recognition, loses its value. She gave because she loved the Lord, not because she expected any applause. What is the motive behind our giving? Is it for recognition, or because of a grudging sense of duty? God honors us when we give out of love and gratitude for Him.
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