Towards a Mature Life Before Becoming Rigid
Bible passage: Mark 12:38-44
“38. As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, 39. and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely." 41. Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. "
After reaching the last month of 2024, we have already come to the third Sunday. We are standing on the final hill of the year, where the end is now clearly visible. Young people will measure how much they have grown in height over the past year. If they have grown a lot, they will clap and rejoice.
Athletes will evaluate how much their skills have improved over the year, and if they see significant progress, they will have hope and look forward to good results in the coming year. As believers, we also need to examine our spiritual state as we face the last month of the year. How much has our faith grown? How many of our prayers have been answered? How much has my life changed? How much have the fruits of the Spirit grown within me?
In today’s passage, two contrasting types of people appear. One type is the scribes, and the other is the poor widow, who is described as a pitiful woman. In Jesus’ time, scribes were upper-class individuals of high status, respected by the society. In contrast, the poor widow was a shabby, pitiful woman without any noticeable presence. However, as seen in today’s passage, Jesus evaluates people based on the standards of heaven, not those of the world. Because of this, the weight of these two types of people appears vastly different. According to Jesus’ words in the passage, the scribes lived rigid and undesirable lives.
On the other hand, the poor widow, though insignificant in the society’s eyes, she lived a highly admirable life with mature faith. Therefore, by comparing the contrasting figures in today’s passage, let us consider how, after passing through the year’s time, we can shed the rigidity of the scribes that still remains and move toward bearing the fruits of a mature and desirable Christian life.
1. To pursue the mature and desirable life that the Lord desires, we must abandon the rigid attitudes of the scribes.
The undesirable attitude of the scribes can be summarized as a rigid attitude. Rigidity refers to a state where the body becomes stiff and inflexible. Mentally, it describes a state where thoughts, actions, and attitudes lack flexibility, and the heart becomes hardened, unresponsive, and unreceptive. This often leads to judgmental, critical, and aggressive behavior.
The Bible refers to this as being hardened or obstinate. In Mark Chapter 3, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand. This is an event worthy of applause and universal joy. However, the scribes were so rigid in their hearts that instead of rejoicing, they watched Jesus intently, ready to accuse Him for healing on the Sabbath. Mark 3:1-2 says, “Jesus entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered. They were watching Jesus to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him.” Jesus, seeing the rigidity of their hearts, sighs deeply. Mark 3:5 says, “After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.”
The Greek word used for hardness here is "porosei," which means "to become hardened" or "a dulled state." A hardened heart leads to misunderstanding and an aggressive attitude that prioritizes judgment and criticism. In Mark Chapter 12, just before today’s passage, Jesus is recorded engaging in debates with the Pharisees and Sadducees, who had rigid hearts. From verse 13, He debates with the Pharisees and the Herodians about paying taxes to Caesar. From verse 18, He debates with the Sadducees about the resurrection. And from verse 28, He discusses the greatest commandment with the scribes, teaching them the truth.
However, their hearts were already hardened by their preconceived ideas, so even though Jesus, who is the truth itself, explained things clearly with examples, they refused to accept it and opposed Him instead. Thus, in today’s passage, Jesus warns us to beware of the scribes. He says in Mark 12:38a, "Beware of the scribes." In the passage, Jesus specifically points out four problematic aspects of the scribes’ behavior: 1) Abandon the attitude of self-display and self-advertisement. Verse 38 says, “In His teaching Jesus was saying: “Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places.”
At the time, scribes wore long robes modeled after priestly garments to draw attention and sought to be noticed and respected by people in the marketplace. Jesus identifies this as a self-exalting and self-advertising attitude. All humans tend to puff themselves up and want to show off when they possess something more than others. This is a manifestation of the lust of the eyes. The Bible criticizes this attitude in many places. Luke 18:11 says, “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.” This is the prayer of a Pharisee, but is this truly a prayer? It is not. It is merely self-exaltation disguised in the form of a prayer.
The Pharisees were so rigid that they even used prayer as a means of boasting, showing off how superior they were to others. It’s truly a laughable display. However, we must be cautious because such mistakes can also emerge in us today. For example, a conversation among older women in a church can turn into a competition of bragging about their children. One might say, “My second son is a doctor. He gives me a lot of allowance.” Another might reply, “My son is a university professor. His job is stable, so I have no worries.” Then the eldest among them might boast, “My son is a CEO. He earns a lot of money.”
Finally, a woman with no particularly successful child says, “But do any of your sons go to church faithfully?” At this, all the previously boastful women suddenly wear worried expressions and confess, “That’s the problem. No matter how much we try to evangelize, they still don’t believe in Jesus, and it’s so upsetting.” What use is it if they are doctors, professors, or CEOs, yet destined for hell? 2) Abandon the status-oriented attitude of the scribes. Verse 39 says, “and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets,……” A peculiar book with a striking title was recently discovered: titled “On Bullshit” by Harry Frankfurt, a professor of philosophy at Princeton University.
The book, though short and seemingly light, is profoundly philosophical and even became a New York Times bestseller. In the book, "bullshit" is used to refer to nonsense or meaningless talk disconnected from truth. Philosophically, it represents speech driven by self-interest, a desire for recognition, or a need to assert dominance over others. In this sense, the serpent's words in Genesis 3:4-5 can be seen as the first instance of "bullshit" in human history. It says, “The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Had Eve rebuked the serpent’s nonsense, humanity might not have fallen into sin. However, listening to that nonsense led her to eat the forbidden fruit. Similarly, inflated arrogance, summarized as “How dare you!”, often stems from distorted narcissism and is rooted in the belief of inherent superiority over others. What kind of person does Jesus want us to be? Matthew 23:12 says, “But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;……” The Lord detests status-oriented behaviors, and such tendencies must not occur within the church.
James 2:1-4 says: [1] My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. [2] Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. [3] If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” [4] have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Even in social settings like weddings or funerals, we must not differentiate or discriminate among believers based on worldly status. 3) Jesus points out the hypocrisy of the scribes. In verse 40, their actions are described as hypocritical. Verse 40b says, “….who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation.” Jesus deeply dislikes such hypocrisy.
Matthew 23:27-28 says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. So, you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” This hypocrisy may also lurk within each of us. Whenever possible, some seek higher positions, desire recognition, or fall into a behavior driven by self-interest. Such tendencies must always be checked and avoided. As Christmas approaches, let us rely on the cross and earnestly pray: “Lord, do not let me walk the path of the rigid scribes. Help me avoid these dangerous pitfalls one by one.”
2. To live a mature life rather than a rigid one, we must learn from the humble widow.
In today’s passage, after teaching His disciples to abandon the rigid attitudes of the scribes, Jesus moves to the temple courtyard and observes people making offerings at the treasury. Verses 41-42 say, “And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums.
A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent.” Then He calls His disciples once more to teach them about true giving. Verse 43a says, “Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus said to them……...” After the disciples had learned about the rigid and undesirable attitudes of the scribes and taken a brief rest, Jesus calls them again to teach them what they must learn to live a mature spiritual life. Using the faith of a poor widow - someone despised and ignored by society - Jesus provides a teaching example. In verse 43b, He says, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” What did Jesus intend for the disciples to learn by presenting this woman as a model of faith? 1) She pleased the Lord by giving her very best in faith.
At that time, the “lepton” was the smallest unit of Greek currency, surprisingly measuring less than 1 cm in diameter." It was such a small coin that it was difficult to notice whether someone had placed it in the treasury unless closely observed. However, in verse 44, Jesus remarks, “They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on.” The poor widow had only two lepta, which was all she owned. She could have given just one and kept the other for herself, but she gave both. Jesus, who was seated at some distance, noticed exactly what kind of coin the widow gave and how many.
This indicates that the Lord does not overlook even the smallest act of devotion. Verse 42 says, “But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.” The widow, despite her poverty, offered the smallest coins with the greatest fragrance of love, sacrifice, and devotion to God. While the wealthy gave large sums, their offerings lacked the heart, love, and sacrifice the widow poured into hers. She not only gave money but also offered her love and heart of service to God. In verse 43b, Jesus says that this widow gave more than all others. Though the wealthy scribes likely gave much more money, why did Jesus say that the widow gave more? True offerings are not about the amount of money but the fragrance of love, sacrifice, and devotion accompanying it. In 1 Kings Chapter 17, during a three-year drought in Israel, the prophet Elijah asked a widow in Zarephath, who was about to prepare her last meal for herself and her son, to first make bread for him.
The widow, without hesitation, gave her last bit of flour and oil to God’s prophet. As a result, her jar of flour and jug of oil never ran out, and she experienced an extraordinary blessing. Similarly, the two lepta given by the poor widow in today’s passage were an act of faith filled with the fragrance of sacrifice, just like the last bread offered by the widow of Zarephath. Her offering was everything she had to live on, a faith-filled act that moved the Lord. Surely, God took responsibility for her life and provided for her needs.
God repays according to what we give. There was also a testimony like this from His Emeritus Senior Pastor Dr. Jaerock Lee. Life must have been very difficult at first after starting the church. When it was hot in the summer and he wanted to eat watermelons sometimes, there was a watermelon outside the door. If he felt like he was going to starve because he was running low on rice, he could open the door and he would sometimes find a sack of rice lying around. Just as God moves the hearts of the believers to serve in this way, God takes responsibility for those who have true faith. When we give our best, He blesses us abundantly. 2) She became a model of faith. Verse 43 says, “Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.”” Jesus gathered His disciples and used the poor widow as an example of true giving, recommending her as a model for offering.
How happy this widow must have been to be commended by Jesus Himself as a model of faith, despite her poverty. Throughout the scripture, Jesus occasionally points out individuals as examples of faith. In Matthew Chapter 8, when a centurion asked Jesus to heal his paralyzed servant and declared his faith, Jesus praised his faith in Matthew 8:10 by saying, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”
In Matthew Chapter 15, a Syrophoenician woman, whose daughter was possessed by a demon, declared her faith in verse 27 by saying, “Yes, it is, Lord, But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” To this, Jesus responded in verse 28 saying, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” He recommended her as a woman of great faith. In Acts Chapter 1, Jesus recommended the prayer life of the 120 believers in the upper room who prayed to receive the promised Holy Spirit. Acts 1:4-5 say, “On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about.
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”” Inspired by this, I have made it a practice during Daniel Night Prayer gatherings to encourage fervent prayer, similar to the 120 believers who prayed with such intensity that they received the fire of the Holy Spirit and established the early church. Every night during the Daniel Prayer meetings, I select a "Best Prayer" recipient and present them with a small gift. This practice will continue through March of next year, selecting one person each day.
What an honorable recognition it is to consider oneself part of the "Upper Room 120 Club," a group of believers who, through fervent prayer, earned a place in spiritual history! I am confident that God will reward these efforts greatly in heaven. The Apostle Paul also recommended believers who were models of faith, devotion, and prayer, recognizing their support for his ministry and pastoral mission. In Romans 16:1, Paul writes, “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.” He commends Phoebe and, from verses 2 to 15, names 24 individuals who were models of faith and collaborated with him in ministry.
These individuals greatly aided the apostles’ work and demonstrated exceptional faith, dedication, and service in their respective roles. These were the faithful workers who helped Paul endure many years of hardship and challenges, enabling him to succeed in his ministry and missionary endeavors. If the Lord were to ask me now, "Bishop Caleb, who in your church would you recommend as a model of faith?" whom should I recommend? Among the pastors, who would it be? Among the church leaders, who would it be? Among the home cell group leaders, who should I recommend?
I hope that each of you will become individuals who make it onto such a list of exemplary believers, shining as models of faith.
3) She bore great fruit despite her small ability.
Verse 44 says, “They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on.” The Kingdom of Heaven is a place where great fruit is borne from small abilities. This is why Jesus compared it to a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds.
Matthew 13:31-32 says, “He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”” I recall a pastor with the same surname as mine who told me about his father, a man of great faith. His father, though a deacon, took care of a rural church where there was no pastor and even preached.
During a time when construction on the church building had stopped due to a lack of funds, he prayed earnestly and came up with a bold plan inspired by the Holy Spirit: he decided to sell one of his eyes to fund the completion of the church. He went to a Christian hospital in the city and requested the surgery, but the doctors, deeply moved by his faith, raised the funds themselves. The church was completed without him having to sell his eye. Despite his lack of material means, his great faith led to the building of the church, and his son later became a pastor who faithfully served God. Revelation 3:8 reminds us: “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.
You have little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.” Just as He says, “I know your deeds,” may you, though you may seem small, become believers who bear great fruit. Conclusion To live a mature life rather than a rigid one, we must emulate the heart of the Lord toward the humble widow mentioned in the passage. Jesus’ heart toward the poor widow reflects His attention to her very existence. In verses 41 and 42, it say “Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.” A poor widow came, and the Lord noticed her existence.
What makes the world diminish her existence is the fact that people regard her as insignificant and dismiss her. However, Jesus takes interest in this woman and pays close attention to her. While people are focused on how much the wealthy donate, Jesus values the poor widow, giving weight to her actions. The Lord’s concern is not about her clothing, how splendid her appearance is, or her family background, but her very existence. He does not overlook the devotion of this small and humble woman offering two small coins; instead, He pays attention to it. Why have we gathered here today? It is to reflect on this spirit of the Lord through the cross. We must abandon the attitudes of the scribes and learn to value and respect each individual as a person, just as Jesus did. The Word of God and prayer are the tools of power that enable us to become more like Jesus. When the Word penetrates our souls, and we stand firm in the light through prayer, the darkness and rigidity of the scribes’ mindset will loosen.
Therefore, we must all heed Mark 2:22 which says “And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.” As we celebrate Christmas, let us erase all the past rigidities of the year and start anew as fresh wineskins ready to receive new wine. The characteristic of new wine is fermentation - it continually expands from within. Fresh wineskins, made from the elastic goatskin of the Palestinian region, can stretch to accommodate the fermentation without bursting. However, as wineskins age, they become rigid. When the fermenting wine expands, the brittle old skins cannot withstand the pressure and burst. Just as an old church can easily become an old wineskin, believers who have been Christians for 20 - 30 years may naturally become rigid.
This rigidity is dangerous. When muscles stiffen, circulation is hindered, leading to discomfort and pain. Similarly, when our souls become rigid, spiritual discernment and sound judgment suffer, and grace cannot easily penetrate. Rigid thoughts, like old wineskins, cling to the belief that one’s own opinions are correct, unable to flexibly embrace truth. Yet, when we approach the cross through the Word and prayer, the power of the cross will release all such rigidities. By breaking through our rigidities with the Word and prayer, we must transform from old, inflexible wineskins into new, elastic wineskins.
In doing so, we can transcend the rigidity of the scribes and move toward a mature life. Like the small and humble widow, we can bring joy to the Lord through our wholehearted faith, become models of faith commended by the Lord, and bear great fruit even with our seemingly limited abilities. May all of you become such individuals. - END -
