SERMON | The Church
Scripture: Mark 12:38-13:2
As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
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. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
13 As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!”
2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
Questions
What is your earliest memory of “church?”
When you hear “church” what word(s) come to mind?
Where in your life do you feel drained, or devoured like the widow here?
Have you ever been in a situation or time of your life where you felt invisible, where you felt like nobody cared?
What should our response be to the “widows” in our midst?
What value comes from “being seen” as Lucas was talking about?