Luke 21-A “Greater Condemnation, or Greater Honor”

S = 20:46-21:3 ““Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.”

 

O = Scribes were very concerned about righteous appearances and social status. Everything they did was to promote their own standing in the eyes of their peers. Yet, as laboriously as they studied the OT scriptures they missed the heart of God. God had made it very clear that he was not impressed with outward appearances if there was pride involved or in any acts of public religious righteousness if there was a lack of justice and compassion for the oppressed (That really bothers Jesus!). Here the scribes were taking advantage of widows for personal gain. So in Jesus’ eyes, their offering meant nothing (1 Cor. 13:3). They should have known better and thus theirs will be the greater condemnation. At the same time there happened to be a poor widow at the temple who gave the smallest amount it was legal to give, yet it was all the money she had. This meant she was fasting that day. What we don’t see, that we might expect, is Jesus calling her out and rewarding her for her giving. He knows that her reward is in heaven and will not take that from her.

 

A = Is there an area in my life where I seek honor at the expense of others? I know that a couple of weeks ago I landed a teasing remark for laughs that while not meant in a mean-spirited way was for the benefit of my own wit and thus crossed the line. Do I live my life in a way to incur greater condemnation for my hypocrisy and oppressions of others, or do I live a life of such trust and humility as to receive greater honor at the hands of Christ? I know which one I would prefer! I need to follow the example of Jesus, ^“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)

 

P = O Lord, I ask your forgiveness for those times I have advanced myself at another’s expense. You became poor for me that I might be spiritually rich in you. May I have the same attitude towards people and towards giving! May my gratitude towards you find expression in giving in the days ahead. Amen.