07 June 2020 (am) – Mark 12:41-44
 | Andy Bruins preaching from Mark on Sunday 7th June 2020. |
Mark 12:38-44 God looks at the heart
Jesus preaches to the gathering crowd in the courts of the temple, warning them about the hypocrisy of the Scribes (Teachers of the Law). They are supposed to be the leaders of the people, but their religion is only skin deep and everything they do, they do for their own benefit; to gain power, respect and money.
Their punishment will be severe.
In contrast to them, a poor widow catches Jesus’ eye. The Scribes are all about taking what they can get, but she has come to give to God out of her poverty, all she has to live on.
Jesus holds her up as example to His disciples of what devotion to God really looks like.
Summary: Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. Jesus is not interested in the trappings of religion, instead He is looking for disciples who will give their all to Him.
Q Read the description of the Teachers of the law in v38-40. How would you sum up the religion of these men?
Q What Kinds of “surface” things do people think will please God today? Why don’t these things impress God?
Q How might we fall into the trap of superficial religion today?
Q How is the poor widow in v41-44 different? How would you sum up the kind of religion that God wants?
