Oasis Bible Study – Lent 4B
Overview of Study
Ambitious clergy who seek esteem, power, and wealth were as much a problem for the people in Christ’s time as they sadly still are today. In this passage, Jesus uses an unnoticed act of a powerless person as a direct contrast to the public pomposity of the local religious leaders.
Approaching God
Prayer: Lord Jesus, reveal to us the heart of this passage and teach us Your holy ways. Open our minds to the understanding of this scripture and enable us to apply its truths in our lives today. In Your Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture: Mark 12:38-44
38 As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."
41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on."
Input from Group
Why did advise His followers to be wary of the religious teachers?
Why did the religious teachers look to be publicly honored and revered? Is that still prevalent today?
Why did Jesus say that they would be punished? What kind of punishment was he talking about?
Why was Jesus the only one who noticed what the widow gave?
What pleased Christ about her gift?
Were the other gifts worthless in His eyes? Why/why not?
What lesson about stewardship does this event provide for us?
What lesson about clergy does this passage express to us?
Any other questions or comments?
Service Applications
What we give to God belongs to God, so we’re not giving up anything; we are actually giving back what God already owns.
Consider what you give to God through the Church each year. Is it more or less than what you pay for sports tickets, entertainment, alumni dues or leisure activities annually? What does that tell you about your commitment to God?
For silent prayerful reflection: How does what I give to God compare to the widow’s offering? Am I being a good steward or am I still withholding resources from God?
No comments:
Post a Comment