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Mark 12 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Total sacrifice. Do we understand it? Do we live it? Jesus pulls his disciples aside to highlight the faith of the poor widow. In this story, the NASB translation reads…
A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent.
Mark 12:42 NASB
Interestingly, the amount she gave was far less than one cent. This is a case where the currency difference and language translation hinder the original text.
The KJV gives us a better idea of the actual amount.
And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
Mark 12:42 KJV
A mite was a small copper coin worth 1/8 of a cent. In that time, it was the least of all coinage. For the benefit of the Romans, Mark related this amount to the least of all coinage for their system, hence, we get the NASB translation of a cent. In the end, it really does not matter. The point is, her gift was considered the smallest of the small. It is just interesting to discover that the amount she actually gave was only equivalent to 1/4 of our penny.
The focus was simple. It was all she had. Jesus literally says it was her “bios,” or, livelihood. She gave knowing that this money could have provided a small meal for her. She could have given one “mite” and kept another. Who would have blamed her? Consider that Jesus judged the least amount financially to be the greatest amount spiritually. By giving all that she had, though it was extremely small, she received Jesus’ highest blessing.
Back then, those who gave from their surplus may have done it in a way that drew attention to themselves. This is likely considering Jesus was standing opposite the treasury. Mark writes that Jesus was “observing how people were putting money into the treasury.” This happens today as well, however, it is more common in our day for churchgoers to argue that they are exempt from tithing. Giving with the wrong motive and refusing to give entirely are a reflection of the heart. In reality, the issue is not the church’s financial well-being. Jesus will provide for His church. He always does.
The most glaring travesty is that these individuals have compromised their spiritual growth for material gain.
We must ask, why is this story in Scripture? It deals with the heart condition of man in relation to monetary resources. It reveals how the love of material possessions can distort and corrupt our heart. Sadly, those who refuse to give today have not experienced a faith like this woman who was willing to give it all. Her faith is a challenge to all of us, myself included!
There is no wiggle room. Jesus pulled his disciples aside in order to show them a model by which to live in the Kingdom of God. Many today do not understand it. Put yourself in the shoes of the disciples. What is your response when He calls you aside to illustrate what it looks like to go all in and trust Him?