Ladies and gentlemen . . .
May I draw your attention to the main event of the evening morning.

In this corner, the scribes.
Those who like to prance around in their Sunday best.
Those who seek the limelight and are fueled by flattery.
Those who have reserved for themselves places in the front pew at church
and seats at the head table at every party.
Those who think nothing of consuming a widow’s wealth
even as they claim to be conversing with heaven’s throne.

And in the other corner . . . one of those widows.
Robed in rags. Unnoticed in public. With but a penny to offer.
And yet, offering all of that penny.
Noticed by God.

I’m hovering over the contrast presented at the end of Mark 12 this morning (verses 38-44). And I’m chewing on the Lord’s admonition.

“Beware of the scribes . . . ” (Mark 12:38a ESV)

Beware . . . see accurately . . . discern mentally . . . understand perceptively . . . weigh carefully.

Oh, what postures, pretenses, and mistreatment are birthed out of arrogant righteousness. What self-deluding folly to think that prominence and power on earth is the way to drawing the praise of heaven. In fact, says Jesus, “They will receive the greater condemnation” (Mk. 12:40b).

But heaven’s commendation? It is for those with the least who are willing to release it all. Those who enter His courts unnoticed. Those who give out of their poverty with abundance. Those who Jesus takes notice of.

Beware the scribes. Behold the widow.

Only by His grace. Only for His glory.