Questions for November 11, 2012

Mark 12:38-44

Jesus Denounces the Scribes

38 As he taught, he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, 39and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! 40They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’

The Widow’s Offering

41 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, we live in a world of extreme wealth and abject poverty.  We have been materially blessed in ways that so many in our world can’t begin to comprehend.  And yet we complain.  Forgive us.  Fill our hearts with gratitude and may your Holy Spirit move us to experience the joy of sacrificial giving.  But most of all, we give thanks for the immeasurable gift of your Son, Jesus, and his sacrificial gift of life- His in exchange for ours.  It is in his holy and precious name we pray.  AMEN.

1. Notice how Mark positions a harsh word about the Scribes’ hypocrisy immediately before the story of the Widow’s Offering. Why do you think Mark did that? What does it say to his original readers? What does it say to us?
2. Jesus spent a lot of time talking about the effect of wealth, (e.g. greed) on our spiritual lives. What makes it so difficult for us to discuss it in the church today? 
3. Pastor Blair showed a “Giving Distribution” chart in his sermon slides. Discuss with the group your reaction to the data? Were there any surprises? Did it make you uncomfortable? Were you tempted to “compare yourself to others?” (And for personal reflection, how did you feel about your place in the chart and the challenge to practice growth giving?)
4. When you consider you financial contribution to the ministry of Living Word do you think of it in terms of “meeting the budget of our congregation” or as “your gift to God”. What’s the difference? Does it matter?
5. During times of congregational conflict there is a tendency for giving to drop. Withholding our giving is one way that we express our dissatisfaction with something that has been said or done. How is this inconsistent with the story of the Widow’s offering? How is it similar?
6. Close your time by sharing together about the challenges we face in distinguishing between our “needs” and our “wants”.

End by holding hands and praying The Lord's Prayer