Luke 20:45-21:6 (NIV 2011)
45 While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”
1 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”
Reflection:
Even while Jesus is commending the widow for giving everything she has, the disciples are noticing beautiful and noticeable gifts given to the temple. This is in direct contrast to what Jesus has just said to them.
As Jesus describes the destiny of the scribes to His disciples, He also shares the destiny of these gifts to the temple. They are all destined to perish. Jesus wants His disciples to live for that which is seen by God and remains for eternity.
Response:
May we respond to Jesus’ invitation to live for that which is seen by God and remains for eternity. Just like the disciples, it may be tempting to focus on the beautiful things around us. Yet they are destined to perish. Let’s spend some time asking God to give us the wisdom to see what is temporary and what is eternal. Let’s commit our hearts to the Lord again, pledging everything to Him and setting our sights on what will last for eternity.
