What's REALLY Going on

 Explaining the Action

The best analysts have the ability to tell us what’s REALLY going on. Whether it’s a color commentator on the broadcast of a game or some political guru covering an election, they explain the action and break down what we’re seeing.

So many times, there’s WAY more going on than meets the eye. Whether it’s with a Telestrator or a giant video wall, these analysts tell us just what to look for.

Tuesday at the Temple Treasury

That’s exactly what Jesus does for His team of twelve one Tuesday at the temple treasury (Mk 12:41-44). As they watch folks giving their offerings, the Lord doesn’t want the guys to miss what’s REALLY important.

And it would be easy to miss. Lots of rich folks are making a big show making their offerings. It’s the First Century version of a photo op with a giant check. Ever wondered what it would be like depositing one of those bad boys at the local branch bank?

But the Lord wants His personal posse to pay attention to that inconspicuous woman. Hey, look over there! See that lady in the back? That’s who I want you to see.

Not Just Any Tuesday

Before we hear our Savior’s analysis of the action, let’s back up and set the stage. It’s Tuesday. But not just any Tuesday. It’s the last week of Jesus’ earthly life.  

It’s what we’ve come to call Passion Week. We’re counting down the hours until Jesus’ betrayal, torture, crucifixion, and death.

A Wild Week

It’s been a wild week to this point. The huge hero’s welcome for Messiah’s arrival on Sunday (Mk 11:1-11). Christ’s cleans house at the temple on Monday (Mk 11:15-18). 

Then there were the endless challenges to the Lord’s authority by the Hebrew home office (Mk 11:27-12:34).

 

These so-called experts wonder where this Rabbi/Carpenter from the boondocks gets off throwing His weight around on their turf.

But our Savior flips the script on each one of them and then exposes them for the religious bullies they really are (Mk 12:35-40).

The Place is Packed

Which brings us to the temple treasury. Apparently the place is packed. Mark tells us what happens next. 

“Jesus sat down near the collection box in the temple and watched as the crowds dropped off their money” (v41).

Christ Looks Closely

According to biblical archaeologists, the treasury was in the part of the temple complex known as the Court of the Women. This is as far as the ladies are allowed. That makes sense when Jesus points out the person at the center of the story.

Around the outside of the this courtyard are thirteen trumpet-shaped funnels where people put their offerings. For those of us of a certain age, they’re like the bins where you would toss your change in order to pay to drive on a toll road.

Mark describes how Jesus takes a seat and takes a look. The word the NLT translates as “watched” (Gr. θεωρεω/theoreo) means to be a spectator and view attentively. Christ is looking very closely at what’s going on.

Brass in Pocket

He’s checking out the people and their giving. Interestingly, the word “money” here is actually the Greek word for brass (Gr. χαλκος/chalkos). There’s no paper money or plastic back in the day. Just coins made of brass, silver and gold.

It’s easy to imagine that folks with deep pockets are the stars of the show in the temple treasury. “Many rich people put in large amounts” (v41). In the words of the Pretenders, they’ve got brass in pocket. We’re talking LOTS of of brass.

Making It Rain

Because these receptacles are also made of metal, they really ring when wealthy worshipers toss in their coins. Lots of coins mean lots of noise. 

It’s like the lyrics in that old Georgia Satellites’ tune. “Got a little change in my pocket, going jing-a-ling-a-ling.” 

Almost Lost in the Background 

That’s when, somewhere off to the side, almost lost in the background, an unassuming woman has come to drop off her contribution. “Then a poor widow came a dropped in two small coins” (v42).

When we take a closer look at Mark’s choice of words to describe her as well as her cultural context, we see a lady that’s way worse off than at first glance.

Penniless and Powerless

First of all, to be “poor” (Gr. πτωχος/ptochos) paints a picture of someone totally dependent on others for support. She’s destitute, penniless, and powerless.

Maybe she’s just going through a hard time and simply needs a little help to get back on her feet. Sorry. The term indicates a continuous state not a temporary situation. 

If that’s not bad enough, πτωχος/ptochos comes from a root word meaning someone who crouches or cringes. In other words, a beggar. She probably spends most of her day pleading for money and panhandling just to survive.

A Gaping Hole

Chances are she wasn’t always like this. That’s because she’s a a woman whose husband has died. 

The Greek noun for “widow” (Gr. χηρα/chera) comes from a word that describes a huge chasm or vacuum. The loss of her husband has left a gaping hole in her life.

No Life Insurance

Not only is there a massive void left by the death of her husband. It’s worse than that. There’s no one more marginalized in the Greco-Roman than a woman to be left all alone with no husband. 

If her late husband was working class, he would have left her very few resources when died. There’s no life insurance check coming her way.

Two Small Coins

Despite all of that, she’s come to the temple to worship. Remember, this is the Court of the Women. It’s as far as Jewish ladies are allowed to enter. Before she leaves, this lady returns to God what He has given her.

Tink. Tink. That’s the sound of “two small coins” trickling down the treasury trumpet. The original language tells us that these are actually λεπτος/leptos, copper coins worth one half of a quadrant or 1/128 of a denarius.

45 Cents

If you’re like me, you’re probably not up on the latest exchange rates between First Century Palestinian currency and 21st Century American money.

A denarius would be a full day’s wage for a blue collar working stiff. So for comparison, let’s use a day’s pay in the U.S. based on the minimum wage of $7.25 in 2020. That comes to a whopping $58.

Divide $58 by 128 and we find discover that what she gives amounts to right at 45 cents. Those two leptos are less than a couple of quarters. Not very impressive when compared to offerings of the rich clanging all around her.

A Teachable Moment

But when our Savior sees her, He tells His team to huddle up. “Jesus called His disciples to Him and said…” (v43).

Once again, the radical Rabbi/Carpenter sees this as a teachable moment for His team. Look closely, boys. I don’t want you to miss this.

Breaking It Down

He begins breaking down the action by saying, “I tell you the truth” (v43). The smart aleck in me wants to come back with something snarky like, “So You’ve been lying to us before?” 

That’s probably just one of the reasons He didn’t choose me to be one of the Twelve. I mean, really. It may be one of His better decisions when you think about it.

Over and Out

The Greek word the NLT translates as “truth” is actually αμην/amen. Yup, you read that right. Amen. Maybe you thought that’s just how we’re supposed to “hang up” at the end of a prayer. You know, like God’s version of “over and out.”

“Amen” shows up a grand total of 52 times in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Throw in another 25 in John’s Gospel. And get this. Jesus is the only one who says it.

This is the Way It Should Be!

But it’s NOT how the Son of God ends His chats with His heavenly Dad. He uses it as a point of emphasis. Listen to this. Watch this. Are you paying attention? Don’t miss this!

It actually comes an ancient Hebrew that strongly emphasizes the truth of what’s said or done. Think something along the lines of “That’s true!” or “This is the way it should be!” 

Truth from the Truth

Makes sense when you think about it. We can trust the One who is THE Truth (Jn 14:6) to always tell us the truth (Titus 1:2; Heb 6:18). God never lies. Ever.

That’s not all. In one of Paul’s letters to Christ’s followers in Corinth, he refers to our Savior as our “Amen” since God fulfills every single one of His promises in Him (2Cor 1:20).

And did you know that Jesus even calls Himself “the Amen—the faithful and true Witness” (Rev 3:14)? It’s true!

Making It Rain

Meanwhile back at the temple treasury, Christ wants the Twelve to understand the truth of what’s really going on.

“I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions” (v43).

Don’t miss that lady right there, boys. It may not look like much but she’s really making it rain in God’s kingdom!

More Than the Others Combined

Get this. A truckload of Bible experts believe the Lord is actually saying that she’s giving more than ALL THE RICH FOLKS COMBINED!

Hold the phone!  How can that be?!?  All she did was toss a couple of measly coins.  How in the world can what she’s given be more than the massive deposit dropped off by all the wealthy worshipers?!?  

I’m no math major but this does NOT make sense! I’ve got a pretty good feeling the disciples are also thinking this doesn’t add up.

The Source of Our Giving

Luckily for them and for us, our Savior breaks down what’s going down. “For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has to live on” (v44).

Did you catch that? Jesus points out that the key here is the source of our giving. When we give from our leftovers, it’s really no big deal to God. On the other hand, He loves it when we return to Him what we think we need.

Finding Change in the Couch

Let’s take a closer look. And once again, a great way to do that is with dive into the original language of Mark’s Gospel. Ready? Cool. Let’s go.

First of all, the Lord says those who are loaded give from “a tiny part of their surplus” (v44). The Greek word here is περισσευω/perisseuo. It paints a picture of excessive abundance, overflow, and more than enough.

In other words, these high rollers may toss in impressive amounts but it really makes no dent in their budget or lifestyle. They can easily find a huge chunk of change digging around in their couch or in the cupholder of their chariot.

Lacking the Essentials of Daily Life

On the other hand, Christ reminds us of just how broke this widow really is. Behind the phrase “poor as she is” is the word ‘υστερησις/‘usteresis. It means poverty, deep need, and says she lacks the essentials of life.

Despite zero resources, this lady is contributing all she has “to live on” (Gr. βιος/bios). Does the Greek word look familiar? Yup, it’s where we get the “bio” in biology.

In this context, it’s talking about her livelihood, what she needs to live an earthly life and function in society, or her resources for making it through the day.

Putting Her Money Where Her Faith Is

The Lord says here’s the deal. These rich folks give from what’s left over. They’re trusting in themselves and their bank account to handle what life throws their way.

Meanwhile, the broke widow gives sacrificially from what she’s going to need. That might sound crazy but she’s really putting her money where her faith is. She’s trusting that God will provide.

Trusting and Tithing

That’s actually the principle behind what’s known as tithing. While the word basically means “ten percent,” it’s way more than that.

Tithing is trusting that 90 percent with God is WAY more than 100 percent without Him. It turns our generosity into an act of faith and dependance on the Great Giver to provide what we need. 

You Can’t Out-Give God

You may have heard folks say, “You can’t out-give God.” And you can take that one to the bank. He already gave His best so that we could spend eternity with Him (Jn 3:16).

Did you know that, as a general rule, the lower the income, the greater the percentage of generosity? And the reverse is true as well.  The higher the income, the lower the percentage of generosity.

That’s what’s going on when Paul tells the Corinthians how the people in the churches of Macedonia are flat broke but have “overflowed in rich generosity” (2Cor 8:2). He says get these folks who didn’t have anything gave WAY more than they could afford.

Our Ultimate Example of Generosity

The former Pharisee goes on to say that our Savior is our ultimate example when it comes to generosity. “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that by His poverty He could make you rich” (2Cor 8:9).

But wait. Wasn’t Jesus a homeless Galilean rabbi who at the high point of His working career was a blue collar construction worker? 

The Dumpster Dive from Heaven

Yes, but rewind even further. Before Nazareth, before Bethlehem, the Son of God lived in the heavenly palace in the lap of ultimate luxury. We can’t begin to wrap our brains around how amazing this is. It makes Sandals look like tent camping.

Yet the Lord was willing to leave it all behind in order to make the dumpster dive and save us from our sin and rebellion. He chucked it all in order to come to our rescue.

Three days after this Tuesday at the temple treasury, Jesus pay the price for you and me and give all He has for all of us. 

Look Closer

Meantime, He wants everyone to see what real generosity looks like. Don’t get distracted by the glitz and glamour of people wanting to put on a big show of how much they give.

Okay, here’s where it gets dicey. Would my Savior circle me with His divine Telestrator as one to watch when it comes to giving? Can I get back to you on that one?

The Lord says we need to look closer. Look for those who give sacrificially. Just like that widow over there in the corner.

©2021

Jay Jennings 

Hug a Child, Hug God

Access to C-Suites

Some folks just have a special way to connect with those who have power and influence. They know exactly who to talk to to gain access to C-Suites and the high level executives who work there.

Let’s face it, most of us don’t even know the building where the big wigs work much less what floor they’re on. But certain people have the ability to walk right in and sit right down with those in power.

Unlocking the Heavenly Corner Office

Did you know that Jesus gives His disciples the access code to unlock the heavenly corner office? I mean, it really doesn’t get any better than that! And, get this…the one who will take us there isn’t exactly a member of the board or even an administrative assistant.

In Mark’s Gospel, Christ gives a great big hug to a small little child and tells His team that this is how it’s done (Mk 9:36-37). If we will open our arms, our lives, and our hearts to those society shuts out, we suddenly gain unlimited access to just to our Savior but our Heavenly Father as well.

A Crazy Few Days

Before we dive into the specific scene, let’s zoom out just a bit for a little context. Jesus and His team have just arrived back at the headquarters of their Galilean ministry in Capernaum (Mk 9:33). It’s been a rather crazy few days to say the least.

If you’ve been following along in the first few chapters of John Mark’s bio of the Lord, you know there’s no lack of speculation about the true identity of the radical Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth. Who is He really?!?

A Non-Stop Miracle Machine

It all begins with the other two Members of the Trinity crashing the Son of God’s baptism in the Jordan River by His weird cousin John. That’s when a Voice from above announces, “You are My dearly loved Son, and You bring Me great joy!” (Mk 1:11).

Despite that ultimate attaboy, folks can’t figure out who He is. One thing they know for sure, He’s a non-stop miracle machine. Jesus regularly kicks demons to the curb, heals the sick and injured, and even brings dead people back to life!

Working Outside the Rules

While His popularity is blowing up in Galilee, the Jewish establishment sees Him as a clear and present danger. Our Savior regularly works outside their religious rules without approval from the Hebrew home office.

Jewish leaders actually believe the Lord gets His miraculous power straight from the pit of hell (Mk 3:22). It’s not long before they plan to eliminate their Jesus problem once and for all (Mk 3:6).

A Growing Scandal

The Lord has a ton of trouble convincing those who knew Him growing up who He really is. Folks in His own hometown are actually embarrassed by what they see as the growing scandal surrounding Joe and Mary’s oldest Boy (Mk 6:3).

Even His mom and siblings think our Savior is mentally unstable and is a danger to Himself and others (Mk 3:21). And you think your family puts the funk in dysfunction!

The Original Dirty Dozen

Along the way, the Son of God assembles a rag tag team of misfits and outcasts (Mk 3:13-19). Call them the original Dirty Dozen. Believe it or not, over the next three-and-a-half years He’s going to train them to change the entire world with His amazing message of grace.

Even when the Twelve have box seats for all sorts of miracles, they can’t wrap their brains around who He is. Like the time when the Son of God and the boys are caught in a nasty storm in a boat on the lake. After He instantly shuts down the squall with just the sound of His voice, they wonder “Who is this Man?” (Mk 4:41).

Putting the Pieces Together

That all changes when Peter puts the pieces of the puzzle together and announces, “You are the Messiah” (Mk 9:29). Jesus then goes on to fill the guys in on what’s about to go down. Rejection, betrayal, murder, and resurrection (Mk 8:31; 9:31). Don’t miss the resurrection part.

God’s View of Greatness

After coming home to Capernaum, He teaches His team a lesson on true greatness. In the Christ’s kingdom, things are upside down. Last in line is actually the front and lowly servants sit at the top of the org chart (Mk 9:35).

Which brings us to unexpected key to unlock access to the heavenly throne room. Jesus follows His up-is-down-first-is-last statement with a very practical example. “Then He put a little child among them” (v36).

Christ and the Little Kid

Mark describes the little kid that Christ puts front and center with the Greek word παιδιον/paidion. It’s actually a modified form of the term for child which usually means a baby or toddler.

This is no pesky middle schooler. In the original language, “little child” paints a picture of a kid well before puberty or someone who’s immature and still has a lot of growing to do. It’s also a term of endearment and parental affection.

One of Pete’s Kids?

So just who is this munchkin? Earlier in his bio of Jesus, Mark tells us how the Lord spends a good deal of time at Peter’s house in Capernaum (Mk 1:29). Throw in the fact that early believers were convinced Pete is the source of the info in the second Gospel. So could this be one of Pete’s kids?

Some denominations believe this toddler eventually grows up to be St. Ignatius, one of the first leaders of the church in Antioch in Syria. Whoever it is, Mark doesn’t tell us for sure. As a matter of fact, we don’t even know if it’s a boy or a girl.

A Hug from Jesus

But Jesus doesn’t just coldly set this little one in the middle of the living room and let everyone stare at them. The next thing you know, He’s “taking the child in His arms” (v36).

I absolutely LOVE the word the author chooses to paint the picture of this scene. He specifically selects εναγκαλιζομαι/enagkalizomai. It’s a compound verb which literally means to place someone or something into the crook of your arms.

Christ wraps His loving arms around this toddler and gives them a big hug. The Message melts your heart with it’s take of the same moment. We see the Lord “cradling the little one in His arms” (v36 The Message).

A Group Hug from the Son of God

The only other place we find this word anywhere else in Scripture is a little later in this same Gospel. When some moms and dads let their kids start climbing all over Christ, the disciples get their undies in a bundle. How dare these folks let their rug rats distract the Rabbi/Carpenter!

Instead of chasing them away, the Son of God scoops them up for a group hug. “Then He took the children in His arms (Gr. εναγκαλιζομαι/enagkalizomai) and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them” (Mk 10:16).

It’s just like that song a lot of us sang in Sunday School back in the day. “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.” There’s no doubt about the fact that kids have a special place in the heart of Christ.

The Disenfranchised and Underserved

But in the NIV Commentary of Mark, David Garland says the Lord’s point isn’t so much about how we should have some romanticized picture of children. We need to know that kids had zero status, power, or rights in First Century culture.

Christ is actually using this child to open His disciples’ eyes to the disenfranchised and underserved members of society. In those days, as it is in many places around the world today, kids are totally dependent on others, entirely vulnerable, and subject to their parents…especially their fathers.

Made in His Image

Our Savior selects a little one to represent those who are needy and lonely. He encourages us to seek greatness in God’s eyes by serving those who society sees as insignificant.

We need to see every single human being as having incredible value. God has created every single person we meet in His image (Gen 1:26-27). And His Son came on His amazing rescue mission to save each person we lock eyes with (Jn 3:16).

The Destitute, Deprived, and Disadvantaged

An English preacher named John Gill backs that up. He says Jesus wants us to know that He’s not just talking about how we treat children. We should show honor and respect to those whom society sees as worthless.

Gill cuts to the chase. Do you belong to Christ? Are you one of His? Do you bear His image? Are you on the business end of His grace? Are you loved by Him? If you check these boxes, then you have the privilege of loving and serving the destitute, deprived, and disadvantaged on His behalf.

Beggars Who’ve Found the Bread

Take a look around. Who does the vast majority of your community reject and ignore? Immigrants? Refugees? Convicts? Seniors in nursing homes? Single moms? The homeless? Custodians? The working poor? The mentally ill? Addicts? Do we need to go on? There are plenty to choose from.

Jesus wants His followers to open their eyes to those the rest of society chooses to not see. But let’s be careful not to get to full of ourselves when we serve folks in those situations. As someone once told me, we’re just beggars who’ve figured out where to get the Bread.

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome, Welcome

Meanwhile back in that crowded living room in Capernaum, Jesus explains the amazing consequences of what happens when we follow His example. “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on My behalf welcomes Me, and anyone who welcomes Me not only welcomes Me but also My Father who sent Me” (v37).

I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but it seems to me that Christ doesn’t want us to miss this idea of welcoming. I mean, He uses it not once, not twice, not thrice (that may be the first time I’ve ever typed “thrice” in my life), but a grand total of four times!

Opening Our Arms

Mind if we dive into the original Greek one more time? Okay, here we go. The word the ESV translates as “welcomes” (Gr. δεχομαι/dechomai) means to receive with open arms, take by the hand, greet with great hospitality, entertain, or accept.

Open arms. Grabbing by the hand. Just like Jesus has just hugged the little child, notice how there’s a physical aspect to this as well? That’s because they’re a whole lot more than warm, fuzzy feelings.

Mi Casa Es Su Casa

Love must be expressed. Just like the tune by Extreme, it’s more than words. Or as Olivia Newton John sings, let’s get physical. And I do love the title of Bob Goff’s book, “Love Does.”

Δεχομαι/dechomai focuses the attention on the one being welcomed and includes an attitude of friendliness and warmth. Picture sitting at home and hearing the door bell. When you open the front door, you see one of your favorite people on the planet. Make yourself at home! Mi casa es su casa.

Get Outside Our Comfort Zone

That’s why the Message puts Jesus’ words like this. “Whoever embraces one of these children as I do embraces Me, and far more than Me—God who sent Me” (v37 The Message). There’s something about pulling someone close and making contact.

Yeah, I know. Not everybody’s a hugger like me. But Jesus is challenging us to get outside our comfort zone in so many ways. Start with a handshake. Maybe a high five. Try a fist bump. Go on. I dare you.

Repping Jesus

Don’t miss Jesus’ three little words in this verse, “on My behalf” (v37). They’re key to His command here. Just about every other translation reads “in My name.” Anything we do on His behalf is done as His rep. It’s when we act as Christ’s hands and feet.

This is when our actions aren’t for our own best interests. We’re NOT manipulating the situation for what we can get out of it. It’s the classic “me third” attitude. Acting on Jesus’ behalf is when I put God first, others second, and me.

An Act of Worship

We do this because of all that He’s done for you and me. He lived the perfect life that I’ve failed to live. He died the death for my sin and rebellion that I should have died. He rose to a glorious new life that I certainly don’t deserve.

In other words, we can turn every moment of our lives into an act of worship for all He’s done for us. In a letter to believers in Colossae, a man named Paul says we’re to rep our Savior with everything we do. “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Col 3:17).

Unlocking Divine Access

When we open our arms, our lives, and our hearts to those who can’t do anything for us, something crazy happens. Something amazing. Something supernatural. Jesus says that sort of hospitality as His rep unlocks divine access.

Christ connects the dots on what happens when we open our lives to the forgotten and irrelevant. When someone does, they “welcome Me, and anyone who welcome Me welcomes not only Me but also My Father who sent Me” (v37).

A Package Deal

It’s a package deal. When we welcome children or anyone else on the outside looking in with open arms, they’re not the only ones. We’re also entering into a deeper relationship with Jesus and His Dad.

Our Savior says something very similar during a debrief of His disciples after sending them out on one of their first missions without Him. “Anyone who receives (Gr. δεχομαι/dechomai) you receives (Gr. δεχομαι/dechomai) Me, and anyone who receives (Gr. δεχομαι/dechomai) Me receives (Gr. δεχομαι/dechomai) the Father who sent Me” (Mt 10:40).

The Least of These

Just a couple of days before His betrayal and murder, the Lord makes the same point to the Twelve. He says something very special happens anytime we give a drink to someone thirsty, provide clothing to someone who has nothing to wear, open our home to a stranger, or visit someone behind bars (Mt 25:34-39).

Christ reveals that these acts of grace are actually moments of worship. “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these My brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!” (Mt 25:40).

We Call It “Networking”

How often do we look to buddy up to somebody important, somebody with power and influence? We like to call it “networking.” But it’s just a nice way of saying I’m building relationships with the people who can do something for me.

Jesus wants His followers to turn that upside down. Instead of the rich and powerful, He calls us to throw the doors of our lives open to those who can’t do a darn thing for us. Instead, let’s take a look around see who needs our help? How can we use our position and leverage to give someone a hand up?

A Hug from God

You want a deeper relationship with the Son of God? You want more of the Heavenly Father in your life? The access code is quite simple really. Welcome the unwelcomed. Receive the snubbed. Embrace the ingored.

If you want a hug from God, it’s really as easy as hugging a child.

©2018

Jay Jennings