One penny... All that she had

The Scribes and the Christ

(Mark 12:35-44, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, January 19, 2020)

[35] And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? [36] David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,

“Sit at my right hand,

until I put your enemies under your feet.”’

[37] David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly.

[38] And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces [39] and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, [40] who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

[41] And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. [42] And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. [43] And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. [44] For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

The Bible tells us about false teachers. The Old Testament provides us with many examples, and the New Testament warns us that the problem has not yet gone away. Church history and current events confirm the fact that we need to be discerning in following those who claim to follow Yahweh. How can we find the true Messiah?

What the scribes say and what the Spirit inspired – Experts can be wrong...

The scribes say that the Christ is the son of David (2 Sam. 7). What does Psalm 110 say?

Beware of the scribes – They were very wrong: 1. Law, 2. Legalism

What they like, what they do, and how they confuse others and themselves in pretense...

They will receive the greater condemnation.

A poor widow – If you are looking for an example: 1. A poor widow, 2. Jesus

Many rich people and one poor widow who gave everything out of her poverty

THE POINT: Jesus was not just another confused and confusing religious teacher.

Applying these verses: Do we know the Master well enough to see the difference between him and others that would guide our souls in wrong pathways?

1. Religious teachers can be missing some pretty important doctrines of the faith.

2. Religious teachers can have some pretty big holes in their holiness.

3. Be impressed by that which is impressive to God. Be enthralled with the real Master and be the kind of servants who quietly give out of their poverty. Jesus & you – Poor?

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 123 – The Eyes of Servants Looking for Mercy

New Testament Reading—Romans 15:1-13 – Servants of Hope on Mission

Passages to consider:

2 Samuel 7:12–16, 29

“[12] When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. [13] He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. [14] I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, [15] but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. [16] And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.... [29] Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you, O Lord GOD, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.”

Psalm 110

A Psalm of David.

[1] The LORD says to my Lord:

“Sit at my right hand,

until I make your enemies your footstool.”

[2] The LORD sends forth from Zion

your mighty scepter.

Rule in the midst of your enemies!

[3] Your people will offer themselves freely

on the day of your power,

in holy garments;

from the womb of the morning,

the dew of your youth will be yours.

[4] The LORD has sworn

and will not change his mind,

“You are a priest forever

after the order of Melchizedek.”

[5] The Lord is at your right hand;

he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.

[6] He will execute judgment among the nations,

filling them with corpses;

he will shatter chiefs

over the wide earth.

[7] He will drink from the brook by the way;

therefore he will lift up his head.

Isaiah 11:10 – In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious. See Rom. 15:12

2 Corinthians 12:15 – I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls.