Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Have you seen the viral video of the daughter who tries so hard to trip up her dad with riddles? She throws some really hard mind games his way, and he solves every single one of them... to her great frustration and entertainment! I think about that video as I read about Jesus outsmarting the religious and political leaders in Mark 12.

This chapter is not for the faint of heart! In the last days and hours before His arrest, Jesus continues to teach with a bold authority. His language is harsh, and His intentions are clear. As hard as they try, they simply cannot trick Jesus or work Him into a corner. He beats them to the holy punch before they even realize what has happened!

We could spend days unpacking these conversations, but here are a couple of high points:

• The people have acted as the tenants of the vineyard – rejecting the prophets and now rejecting the Son of God. But in the end, God will come, and justice will be served.
• Jesus makes it clear they are to give to the government what is the government's and honor the positions even if the people aren't honorable. Why? Because the ultimate authority is God's alone!

After all the efforts to beat Jesus at His own game, I love how this chapter ends. Not with a quick tongue or a trick shot, but with an actual picture of obedience. After teaching so much on how not to act, Jesus focuses on a widow who gives the ultimate lesson in how to live a life of worship and obedience.

What can we learn from this widow? How to live generously out of an abundance of confidence in WHO Jesus is and how worthy He is of our worship. There is no way she gives out of confidence in her bank account. There is no way she gives out of confidence in her own supply. Her only confidence is in the One whom she worships. The One who provides for her, sustains her, and leads her.

The widow's obedience looks a lot like the description Jesus gives of the greatest commandment, don't you think? Loving God with every single part of yourself – and obeying His word in every single part of your life.

Reflections:

• What does your current obedience journey look like? Ask God to help you live like the widow – confident in His provisions with a deep love for God and your neighbor.
• Examine your life and your intentions – are you constantly trying to scheme against the ways of Jesus? Or are you submitting to Him as Lord and worshiping Him with your life?

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Family Application: Mark 12

Author: Ashley Prima

When was the last time you gave your best to something? Was it everything you had? Did it make your heart happy? More importantly, did you realize that it made Jesus happy? We finish out our week in Mark with another story of faith and service.

In this chapter, the widow’s offering was little to some, but to Jesus it was great and more than enough. Many rich people gave a lot of money, but what the widow gave was more to Jesus because she gave all that she had – the best that she could.

• Remember that we may not be perfect, but if we give our best, then it will mean so much to Jesus. What we give to Jesus needs to come from our hearts and out of love.
• Prayer: Jesus, thank You for teaching us how to love. Thank you for showing us the way to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Thank You for all of our blessings. Help us continue to do our best and to give our best just like the example of the widow. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.