What Are You Holding Back?
On Sunday, Mark Dever preached a convicting and encouraging sermon on the Widow's Mite from Mark 12. Excellent thoughts to consider as we think through our year end giving. May the Lord build up his church locally and around the world through faithful giving and radical obedience to Jesus Christ!
What's Most Valuable? Mark Dever on Mark 12:41-44
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Thanks, Andrew.
It may serve readers to consider this text in the context of the preceding reproofs. MacArthur's exposition of this incident in Luke is helpful, "Abusing the Poor"
Given the preceding context of vv. 38-40, it seems that the Lord is not commending the widow's giving, as much as He is condemning the abusive and exploitative corruption of the Temple, thereby justifying His harsh rebukes in vv. 39-40. (Note, there is no "go and do likewise" appended by Jesus to vv. 43-44).
Hope this helps.
Dear Steve,
thanks for this comment. I did consider this reading, but was not persuaded. The presence of the rich giving (which wouldn't need to be noted, if the point were merely the widow being abused), Jesus' drawing the disciples' attention to the comparison by the use of "more", and the fact that the earliest Christian expositors we have never understood it that way are just three of the reasons that I am not persuaded by that new reading. While I highly respect John MacArthur, and some other friends who have understood and taught it that way, I am convinced that the way this passage was understood unanimously (until, I think, 1982, when this view was first proposed) is actually the correct understanding. I think this is a call for radical sacrifice. (Though, of course, we do NOT want to be approving of abusive religion!)
Sincerely,
Mark Dever.
Mark,
Thank you kindly for your response, I certainly did not expect it. I do hope I did not come off as attempting to joust with you, but to offer a reading that had great impact on me when I first heard it from (I worked with a Christian relief org. at the time).
Your observation about "earliest Christian expositors," is especially helpful... I will make a note to survey that further. Yes, I take it for granted that we're all against abusive religion as was our Lord!
Unrelated, thank you for your recent reflections on Dr. Nicole. I have not read much of his work, but do plan to invest more over the "holiday lull."
Blessings on you and 9Marks, many of us striving for the same goal in the church are greatly helped by all of your efforts.
Peace,
Steve
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