Friday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon

"The Widow's Conspiracy"

Mark's version of the story of the "Widow's Mite" looks conspiratorial if we look at it in its context. Placed before that story there is the behavior of the scribes who like to waltz around in their long robes feeling like they are special and superior. Contrast that with the widow who quietly walked up to the temple treasury and put two cents into the offering plate. The humility of the widow is contrasted with the arrogant certainty of the scribes.

Then we look at the destruction of the temple and the beautiful buildings. The buildings were viewed as indestructible and yet Jesus is suggesting that they will be destroyed. What we know at the time Mark's gospel was written is that the temple had been destroyed by the Romans. It was an act of hostility and anger that caused the Romans to come in a take down the temple. Mark's readers knew that. When we look at the hatred and malice caused by the destructive act, Mark is telling us to look at the loving act of the poor widow who, by contrast, was giving what she had. As long as there are people like that who will give even though they have little, the hatred of the world is defeated. The widow's conspiracy is the contrast between her and the scribes, on the one hand, and the hatred of the Romans on the other hand.

The message is a matter of contrast.

Mark is telling us:

1. The scribes think they are special; look at the poor widow. She is special. Everyone is special.

2. The Romans have destroyed the temple with their show of power and authority. Look at the poor widow. The Roman's destructive power is contrasted with the kindness of the poor widow. There is evil in the world but there is more good than evil.

We are all special and it is all good. The message is important to hear today. We are special and it's all good.

Do you agree? Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to allow others to read your thoughts click on the 'comments' box below.

If you would like me to send you a rough draft of the sermon tomorrow or later today indicate that and I am happy to do that.

I look forward to hearing from you.


Charles Schuster