Jesus was giving total effort to teaching in the temple courts and asked the question to the people in Mark 12:35-44, “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the Son of David”? The Jewish opinion about the kingdom was a powerful military empire that ruled over the entire world. They called it the kingdom of David but Jesus explains the question by referring to the Scripture in Psalm 110 which points out that David was not the Messiah but was an ancestor to the eventual Messiah.

Jesus told the people to watch out for the teachers of the law. They looked good on the outside with their wealth, intellect, and elite social gatherings but only gave partial effort. Their effort was mainly to look good on the outside so they appeared to be rich in spirit knowing everything with eloquent speeches and lengthy prayers but on the inside they were poor.

Jesus goes on to point out the total effort of the widow who gave an offering to the temple treasury. Many rich people gave large amounts but their contribution was a small portion of their total wealth. On the other hand, the poor widow gave just two small copper coins worth a few cents but she gave all she had. 

The widow was willing to do something that the scribes were not and she produced a positive example that the scribes couldn’t match up to. She gave total effort by giving all that she had. Let us give total effort today as we pursue eternal assets which are the principles taught by Christ rather than pursuing worldly wealth like the scribes.

This day with You Lord, let our praise ever be on our lips. We live in Your light, trust in Your love, and step ahead in this life with total effort. The principles You teach in Your word never let us down and are essentials for life that are flawless. The provide treasure in heaven wealth worth much more than silver or gold. Amen.