30/3 - Journey to the Cross - Mark 12:35-44

Some thoughts from our Zoom time this morning…

1. Not just David’s son—but David’s Lord
Jesus challenges the crowd’s understanding of the Messiah by showing he is not only David’s descendant, but also David’s Lord. He is both fully human and fully divine—eternal God who stepped into time. What does this reveal to us about who Jesus truly is?

2. Jesus’ eternal identity
In this teaching, Jesus points to the reality that he has always existed—he is the one David worshipped as well as the one David pointed toward. How does this deepen our understanding of Jesus’ authority and mission?

3. Challenging surface-level thinking
Jesus is pushing people beyond simple, cultural assumptions about the Messiah. He invites them to think more deeply about Scripture and God’s plan. Where might we settle for shallow understanding instead of digging deeper?

4. A warning about outward religion
In verse 38, Jesus warns against the teachers of the law who love status and recognition. It echoes the idea that it’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice. How do we guard against valuing recognition over genuine humility?

5. God sees the heart, not appearances
The contrast between the religious leaders and the widow reflects the truth of First Book of Samuel 16:7—people look at outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. How might this change the way we view ourselves and others?

6. The widow’s offering
Jesus notices the widow giving a small amount, yet he values it more than the large gifts of the wealthy because it costs her everything. What does this teach us about how Jesus measures generosity?

7. Giving from the heart
The widow gives sacrificially, not just financially but in trust. It challenges us to consider not only money, but also our time, energy, and priorities. Are we giving out of surplus, or from the heart?

8. Wealth, power, and true integrity
Money and power often lead to corruption, yet Jesus remains completely pure and unaffected by these influences. His life consistently goes against societal expectations. What does this show us about true integrity?

9. Seeing through Jesus’ lens
Jesus sees beyond what the world values—status, wealth, appearance—and focuses on the heart. How can we learn to see others, and even our own lives, through Jesus’ perspective rather than the world’s?

Almighty God,
you see not as we see,
but look upon the heart:
save us from empty religion and outward show,
and give us grace to love you truly
with all that we are and all that we have;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.