As he was teaching, he said, “Watch out for the legal experts. They like to walk around in long robes. They want to be greeted with honor in the markets. They long for places of honor in the synagogues and at banquets. They are the ones who cheat widows out of their homes, and to show off they say long prayers. They will be judged most harshly.” Jesus sat across from the collection box for the temple treasury and observed how the crowd gave their money. Many rich people were throwing in lots of money. One poor widow came forward and put in two small copper coins worth a penny. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I assure you that this poor widow has put in more than everyone who’s been putting money in the treasury. All of them are giving out of their spare change. But she from her hopeless poverty has given everything she had, even what she needed to live on.” (Mark 12:38-44, CEB)
This passage is used by pastors for stewardship Sunday, or to praise the stewardship of this widow. She is held up as a person of strong faith and conviction. But is that what is really happening here?
She put in all of her money. The last penny. Jesus said, “I assure you that this poor widow has put in more than everyone who’s been putting money in the treasury.” Everyone else gives out of excess but she has to put in the money she needs to live on. This is not proclaiming her as a person to follow and mimic, although we do need to give all, more than it is a rebuking of the system where she feels she has to give all of her money while others live comfortably not giving near as much.
She gave it all because the system is corrupt and keeps the poor poor and held down.
Work against injustice.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 