Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44Several years ago, someone recommended a book to me titled The Upside Down Kingdom. The book provides a framework for looking at Jesus’ teachings, pointing out how he frequently turns conventional thinking upside down. Think about it. A consistent theme in Jesus’ teachings is: “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.” Throughout his ministry, Jesus reached out to those who were considered lower, less worthy in the structure of society. He gave them the message through his words and his actions: ‘You are important. You are valued.’
But Jesus does more than simply reach out to people who were generally considered lower or less valuable. Sometimes he lifts them up, using them as a positive example for others. An example of this is the poor widow in the Gospel of Mark. Jesus singles her out in a crowd of people making donations at the temple in Jerusalem. People dropped their money into large metal containers. One could easily tell if the donation was large because heavier, more valuable coins made a louder sound. The widow, dependent on others to support her and with no rank in society, puts in two small coins, worth about a penny. Her contribution probably made little or no sound when she dropped it in. Jesus says to his followers, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” A poor widow, ignored by most. A person who gives openly, without reservation. Generosity of heart. A lesson learned from an unexpected source.
Generosity of heart. Something we should all hope to have.
Peace,
Deacon Sue
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