the 25th sunday after pentecost
the PRAYER. . .
O God, you show forth your almighty power chiefly by reaching out to us in mercy. Grant us the fullness of your grace, strengthen our trust in your promises, and bring all the world to share in the treasures that come through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
the READING. . .
He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury.
the DEVOTION. . .
It seems like a funny place to sit, opposite the treasury. Off to the side. Out of the way. Of course, if you were interested in talking, it’s the kind of place you’d look for. But they’re in the temple, after all! One of the wonders of the ancient world! People came from all over to see it! So, why not sit somewhere a little more exciting! A little more inspiring! Like beside the Beautiful Gate? Or along Solomon’s Colonnade? Or down front where all the action was? Before the Holy of Holies! Surrounded by hosannas and hallelujahs! But here’s Jesus sitting opposite the treasury watching people put in money! By accident? By intent? We aren’t told.
But then, maybe it’s not all that crazy. What happens at the offering plate reveals a lot about what we believe. Believe not so much about ourselves, but about god! Many rich people, Mark tells us, put in large sums. A poor widow just a penny. The rich give from their excess. There’s always more. The widow, however, gave from her lack. She gave it all. She gave everything. She held nothing back. And Jesus says, “Look! Look at her! The rich give till it hurts. But that widow gives till it kills! I’ve told you that the Son of man must die!” And now, pointing to the widow, he says, “This! This is what I was talking about!”
Bob Barndt, pastor