Show Don't Tell: Mark 12:38-44

Instead of saying "Jesus praised the widow's offering," watch where Jesus looks. As he teaches, Jesus says: "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely." Then Jesus sits down opposite the place where the offerings are put and watches the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people throw in large amounts. But a poor widow comes and puts in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Jesus calls his disciples: "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on." Percentage, not amount. Sacrifice, not surplus. Jesus notices what others overlook.