Day 29 | April 4

As you read verses 35-37, then 38-40 and finally 41-44, please ponder these thoughts:  
-Why did Jesus speak in that order?  
-Why talk about the Christ as David’s Lord and immediately start talking about the teachers of the law and finally the widow’s mite?  

Honestly, as I first read verses 35-37 in order to write this devotional, I didn’t understand the full impact or importance of them.  Why was Jesus asking this rhetorical question?  As I researched, I began to better understand its importance.  It seems Jesus knew that those in the temple courts accepted that the Christ was of the linage of David but not that He was anything more.  Jesus pointed out that He is much more than that.  David’s reference to Him in Psalm 110:1 as “my Lord,” along with the rest of verse 1, is proof that Jesus is part of the trinity and that He sits on the right hand of the throne of God.  

I believe there are two very important thoughts we should each reflect upon.  Jesus was continuing his reminder from earlier in Mark that if we believe He is the Son of God, then our actions and our motivation will reflect that knowledge.  Jesus is also contrasting those living by the greatest commandment to those who just say they do.

Jesus points out that the teachers of the law think of themselves more highly than they think of others.  They honor themselves but see the widows as unimportant.  On one side of the coin are those who don’t recognize Jesus as Lord or even that God will ultimately be their judge because they want glory and money for themselves, regardless of the needs of those around them.  Jesus says “Such people will be punished most severely”.

On the other side of that coin are those who know Jesus is the Son of God and therefore, act in a manner that reflects His holiness and His love.  The insignificant gift of the poor widow was very important to Jesus and He makes sure His disciples understand that!

When Jesus mentions the teachers of the law, he says to “Watch out.”  Doesn’t this mean that we should pay attention to our own actions, too?  Ask yourself:
-Am I motivated by love?  
-Do I trample on others by neglect or greed?  
-Am I as generous as I ought to be when I consider that God gave me everything I have so that He could use me as His steward?  
-Do I work as if I am working for God?

The overreaching thought for all of these verses has been well expressed by others: “The outward of appearance or external façade of righteousness is as filthy rags and are detestable to God, but God looks at the heart and sees our motivation.  Do not let your righteousness be seen of men.”

Pray, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24