Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Gospel, Mark 12:38-44            

Mark 12:38-44

When I think of painted contrasts in the gospels my mind usually goes to the gospel through John. But here we see Mark heading in that same direction. John will use light and dark, love and hate, good and evil, and more. Here Mark uses the powerful example of contrast and I would label this selfish vs. selfless. Jesus points out two “types” of people which really are the fleshed out examples of two types of hearts. Martin Luther spoke of sin as turning in on oneself. When I am the most important person in the story, look out. Paul, following his master taught us all about considering others more important than ourselves.

In our examples this week we have those who believe they are entitled and the giving from that type of heart is merely a show. You see, I don’t separate verses forty and forty-one as many published bibles do. No. I believe those who are cited as giving from an abundance may well be those Jesus describes a few verses earlier. You see, very often those who are self-important believe their charity is of a higher grade than those who contribute little by comparison. Not so in the eyes of Jesus. For even Jesus gave out of His poverty. And His gift is beyond measure. My, what a Savior.