“They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything-all she had to live on.” Mark 12:44 (Matthew 21:20-46, 23:1-39, Mark 11:20-33, 12:13-44, Luke 2-:1-47)
Jesus had no patience for religious pretense. His rejection by the spiritual leaders of the day was not surprising nor an original theology. It had been going on since Israel was established. The Sadducees dismissed the idea of life after death, the Scribes were experts on Law, but totally deleted the love factor, and the Pharisees were determined that Jesus must ‘Messiah’ on their terms if He expected their cooperation! Exceptions to these wicked sects did occur and some very good and faithful men emerged during this time, but they were few.
In the parables of The Two Sons, The Tenants, The Vineyard and the Marriage Feast, Jesus speaks directly to the church leaders and the nation of Israel. The chosen people would be cast off because they ignored, rejected, and martyred God’s messengers.
The Temple had once again been cleansed by Jesus. He was ready to abandon it to its own destruction when a widow entered the area where offerings were placed. Among the proud wealthy, publicly giving their sizable tithes and offerings came a widow who put in two very small coins, the very least someone could give. Jesus recognized her gift as more than a required amount, but a total sacrifice of all she had in this world. This set the standard for true worship and service founded in love. After this, Jesus departed and ended His public ministry.
The state of your heart is the only state that matters. Love enough to give your life as a LIVING sacrifice and it will always be perfectly, exactly enough!
Love,
Gretchen