Exploring the Scripture

Jesus had entered the temple for the first time after his triumphant entry into Jerusalem the day before. Until this time, he had ministered in the countryside. He was not considered a threat by the ruling Romans or the religious leaders who yielded to the Romans to save their positions in society. Now that he was in Jerusalem, the religious leaders—who feared the crowds—followed him and began to test Jesus so they could discredit him.

Mark’s chapter 12 shows examples where Jesus confronts religious leaders in the place where they claimed authority, the temple. First Jesus confronted the chief priests, scribes, and elders; then the Pharisees; and then the Sadducees. In this particular scripture, he challenged their generosity. He described not only their lack of true generosity but the manner in which they displayed generosity. He seemed to mock their appearance as they displayed their so-called generosity. He challenged their actions toward the lowest in society, in this case widows.

The actions of the widow in this story pro- vide an example of what it looks like to “give… to your true capacity” (Doctrine and Covenants 163:9). Here the widow gave out of her poverty, meaning she gave the way God gives, from her heart. The scribes gave from what was left over, or out of their abundance. The scribes withheld their generosity. Jesus preached inclusion of all, including widows.

Jesus also used this incident to teach us about God’s generosity. God’s generosity is grace freely given with no holding back (Ephesians 1:6). The scribes withheld grace to the widow and her class. Then they gave only enough to be seen by others as they gave. The widow gave all she could give and she gave it humbly. She was the one who received God’s gift of grace that day. In Malachi 3:10, we see an example of God’s generosity. Here we see it again. The widow brought “the full tithe” and gave according to her true capacity. That caused God to provide grace in abundance to her. By withholding their tithes, the gifts of the scribes did not generate the type of blessing afforded the lowest in the society.

As Jesus sat opposite the treasury, he was able to observe as God’s creation responded to God’s generosity. He witnessed someone, who understood her relationship to her loving God, go to a place where she was not welcomed and to which the religious leaders of the day used her offering as a source of their livelihood. Still, she gave because she knew God would expect nothing more of her. Jesus also witnessed how some withheld from their God and used God’s name to put down others. In a showing of God’s true grace and generosity, Jesus courageously stood by the one who humbled herself even at the risk of giving his life for her welfare.

As you reflect on today’s scripture, you may want to think about examples of true generosity in your life or within the congregation or community. It could be financial generosity, time or talents, or extending grace to others. While this may be a very familiar story, the challenge for us to give to our true capacity remains. Re- view the principles of A Disciple’s Generous Response and imagine the church and the world if all would give to their true capacities! Imagine what can happen to a person’s relationship with God when he or she gives out of a genuine desire to give back to God.

Project Zion Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. Jesus invited and received everyone.
2. The widow did not hold back but gave to her true capacity.
3. The scribes withheld their generosity and gave only enough to be seen.
4. God’s grace is received and given in abundance when the “full tithe” is brought be- fore God.
5. God’s grace is available to everyone.

Questions to Consider

1. If Jesus was to observe the offering at your congregation, what would he see?
2. How are the lowest in your society welcomed into your congregation?
3. What excuses do some people have for with- holding their generosity?
4. As we receive God’s generosity what should be our response?
5. As you review the principles of A Disciple’s Generous Response, how does this story clarify your understanding of these principles?