Gospel November 8

Year B Proper 27

Mark 12:38-44

"Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others." (V.43)

As we reach the end of this chapter Jesus has a few words to say about the scribes, and their behaviour is dramatically contrasted with that of a poor widow.

Having been commended earlier by a scribe for his answer about the greatest commandment did not stop Jesus criticizing the scribes for their behaviour. Why? It violated the second of these great commandments.

It is easy to focus on the amazing faith and commitment of the widow who put two copper coins into the Temple treasury. The coins were the smallest denomination available, and may have been all she had. The only way she could have given less was to give one copper coin. Yet her gift was magnificent compared with the gifts of those who were wealthy. They threw in bundles of money, but still had plenty left over. While she gave little we are left with the impression that she had nothing left. She needed to depend on God for her survival.

In contrast the scribes copped some pretty bad press from Jesus. While surely not all of them were guilty of the things Jesus mentioned the reputation of the whole group must have been suspect.

Among issues Jesus mentions is that "they devour widows' houses". While we cannot be sure exactly what Jesus had in mind there is no doubt that some were taking advantage of their position to make themselves rich at the expense of widows. This could have been happening in a number of ways. The scribes were the literate people in the community. Reading, writing and interpreting the law was their job. Up to 90% of the population had only a functional literacy. Inability to read more than simple signs meant that understanding a complex document was way beyond their reach. An unscrupulous scribe could take advantage of their ignorance. Among the suggestions as to how this took place are: charging for their services (a forbidden practice), cheating widows out of their houses while acting as lawyers, accepting money for intercessory prayer, mismanaging widows estates, accepting houses as security for debts that were unlikely to be repaid, or just freeloading on their hospitality. It seems most likely that taking advantage of their position while acting as lawyers for widows is the action referred to as 'devouring widow's houses"
It is not surprising that these men came in for harsh words.

If we add in the other criticisms - looking for the best seats, seeking the praise of the people, and making a show of their religion - most would accept they needed to be given a quick wake-up call, or face severe punishment.

One of the ironies of these two stories is that these men represented the Temple establishment. The temple was the source of support and aid for the widows. Gifts given to the temple were to be drawn upon by those in need. Instead the very people who are to offer support pull them down.

At this distance it is easy to point the finger at the scribes and teachers of the law. As we look at this passage we also need to look closely at our own lives and behaviours - especially is we are people with authority in a religious organization.

Can any of the criticisms of the scribes, even in small part, be legitimately directed at us?

If the answer is yes, we need to do things differently.


Other readings:

Hebrews 9:24-28

Ruth 3:1-5;4:13-17 / 1 Kings 17:8-16