The Widow’s Faith

Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 12:38-44.

As no one dares to ask Jesus any more questions, He continues His teaching by warning against the scribes and other religious leaders. This warning is necessary because their outward show of piety only covers the evil of their false teaching and refusal to learn the truth of who Jesus is. As they live in pretentious religiosity, they only harm widows, those the Lord particularly desires His people to shower with mercy. In contrast to the scribes, Jesus sees in the temple who puts in a small monetary offering. He commends her because her offering is made out of faith. Even as this example serves to shame and condemn the scribes and religious leaders, the widow’s faith in the grace of God shines through.

“The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Mark. The Evangelist hits the ground running with the very first verse of his Gospel account, and he never lets up the pace. As one deed of Jesus comes right after another, always paired with His authoritative Word, St. Mark proclaims the good news that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, revealed conclusively by His death on the cross.