Mark 12:38-44
Chapter 12
38
Invective Against the Scribes 38 As he was teaching, he also told them: “Beware of those teachers of the law who enjoy walking around in long robes and being greeted in the marketplace;
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and who like to occupy reserved seats in the synagogues; and the first places at feasts.
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They even devour the widow’s and the orphan’s goods while making a show of long prayers. How severe a sentence they will receive!”
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The Widow’s Offering 41 Jesus sat down across from the temple treasury and watched as people dropped their money into the collection box. Many rich individuals contributed large offerings.
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But a poor widow also approached and placed in two small coins.
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Then Jesus called his disciples over and said to them: “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has given more than all the others who contributed.
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For they all gave from their abundance; but she, out of her poverty, gave everything she had—her very livelihood.”
Commentaries
Invective Against the Scribes.
The scribes and teachers of the law were respected and appreciated by the people. However, Jesus denounces them as hypocrites, corrupt, and swindlers who exploit the faith of the people to serve their own petty interests.
The Widow’s Offering.
While the scribes focus only on building wealth, the widow acts generously. She symbolizes the people of Israel who are socially (widows) and economically (the poor) marginalized. Unlike the rich young man, the widow does not give from her surplus but offers all she has into God’s hands. Jesus thus shifts the idea of partial almsgiving to one of complete solidarity.