Text: Mark 12:35-44 [Parallel accounts are in Matthew 22:41—23:12 and Luke 20:41—21:4]
Aim: to examine what the contrast between first-century religious leaders and a poor widow teaches us about the priorities of Jesus and about his definition of genuine religion.
ICEBREAKER QUESTION: As we go around the circle and tell our name, I would also like to know: If you were walking down the street, and saw a penny on the sidewalk, would you stop and pick it up? I'll begin: my name is _____, and if I spotted a penny on the ground, I would_______.
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
TRIVIA QUESTION: Who can complete this statement: "A penny saved is…."? ANSWER: "…..a penny earned." DISCUSSION QUESTION: Today Benjamin Franklin might update that proverb to say, "A penny saved….is not much!" In fact, just what CAN you do with a penny?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Despite the high cost of making pennies, many Americans are resisting their elimination. Why do you think people want to hold on to this particular coin?
2. It costs a whopping 11.18 cents to make a nickel, so some have argued that the nickel should also be discontinued. Do you think as many Americans would be opposed to eliminating the nickel as are opposed to doing away with the penny? Why, or why not?
We all recognize that a penny is not worth very much, but in today's conversation we will learn that Jesus once called two little pennies the greatest gift he witnessed being given! Please TURN to the gospel of Mark (second book of the New Testament), Chapter 12. READ Verses 38-40
DISCUSSION QUESTION: Jesus obviously was angry at the self-serving behavior of these first-century religious leaders. Based on this passage, of what SINS would you say they were guilty?
Possible Answers: Pride; Vanity; Greed; Hypocrisy; "Using" God and religion; Wanting the attention of themselves, rather than focusing on God.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Jesus says these teachers would "devour widow's houses." That is a striking phrase. What would you guess it means, and why did it make Jesus so angry? 2. Why do you suppose these religious leaders were able to get away with their bad behavior?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Every age has had its proud and pompous preachers and religious racketeers, but how would you know when you have encountered one of these individuals? What would be the first sign to you that a particular religious leader today should not be trusted? 2. History books confirm that many of the first-century rabbis were indeed like this. The last half of Verse 37 says the crowd was "delighted" to hear Jesus take on these pompous religious leaders. Why do you suppose the "ordinary" folks in the crowd were so happy to hear what Jesus was saying? 3. When individuals in positions of religious responsibility act like this, it can cause some people to lose their faith. What can WE do to protect our faith? How can we be CAREFUL without becoming CYNICAL? 4. What would you say is the difference between FAITH and GULLIBILITY?
Background Note: For similar attacks by Jesus on the religious leaders of his day, see Matthew 23:1-36; Luke 20:45-47.
READ Verses 41-44 LEADER'S INSIGHT: These coins were called lepta, which literally means "peeled" or "fine," indicating just how small they were. In today's terms each lepton was actually worth about one-eighth of a cent, so this was even less valuable than a modern penny!
DISCUSSION QUESTION: We shouldn't be surprised that Jesus was watching the worshippers present their offerings, because the Lord is ALWAYS interested in what we do with our money! But, in your opinion, WHY does the Lord keep track of our giving? What are some of the connections between our GIVING and our relationship with GOD?
DISCUSSION QUESTION: Since this poor widow had given "ALL she had to live on," why do you suppose Jesus didn't intervene, chase her down, and persuade her to take the money back?
Possible Answers: To do so would be to insult her faith, since she was evidently counting on God to take care of her; Because we don't "give away" our money when we give it to God – he always blesses us with more (READ 2 Corinthians 9:6-11); Because what an individual gives should be decided in their own heart, between themselves and God (See 2 Corinthians 9:7).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. It isn't clear whether the poor widow heard Jesus' commendation of her gift or not. Suppose she didn't. What would you guess what HER opinion of her gift? How do you think she felt about offering two little pennies? 2. Now suppose she did hear what Jesus said about her gift. How do you think it would have made the poor widow feel?
DISCUSSION QUESTION: In what ways could we say this woman's faith is different from the religion of the teachers Jesus has just described in Verses 38-40?
Possible Answers: They used their religion in order to turn a profit, while her religion was sacrificial; They received their reward (applause and recognition) now, while the poor widow would receive hers later on; Their religion was hypocritical, while hers was obviously sincere!; Her religion was focused totally on GOD, while they were more concerned with the effect their actions had on OTHERS; God was pleased with her faith, while he condemned theirs.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. The gospels reveal that Jesus often commented upon money – in fact, it was one of the most frequent topics he addressed. People today sometimes accuse preachers of talking about money too much. Do you think that is a fair criticism? Why, or why not? 2. Suppose you were a preacher, and you decided to prepare a series of sermons about money. How would you go about it, and what are some topics you believe need to be addressed? 3. If you were preaching a series on giving, and you preached on the story of the poor widow, what would be the title of your sermon? 4. What points would you make in your sermon? What conclusions would you draw from this story?
SUMMARY STATEMENT: The generosity of this poor widow teaches us that God judges our giving by how much we love and trust God, and not by how much we are able to put in the collection plate!
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