Reading for January 16th

Read Mark 12.35-42. 35-37 (Mt 22.41-46; Lk 20.41-44) Son of David.
In verse 35 although in danger from the priests, Jesus continues to teach in the Temple.
His question disturbs traditional beliefs in the Davidic (royal, political) messiah.
In verse 36 Psalm 110 is the most quoted passage from scripture.
The crowds appear to appreciate Jesus' besting of the scribes.
In verses 38-40 (Mt 23.1, 6; Lk 20.45-47) Condemnation of the scribes.
Jesus condemns hypocrisy and self-aggrandizement; for Mark, the warnings should not be lost on Jesus' own followers.
In verses 41-44 (Lk 21.1-4) The widow in the Temple.
In verse 41 treasury refers to "tzedakah" or charity boxes; the widow participates in an act of Jewish piety.
In verse 42 the coin is a lepton; one hundred twenty leptons equal one denarius.
Her deed evokes Jesus' promise that the one who gives all will obtain all (10.23-31) and anticipates the anointing by the woman who also did what she could with what she had (14.3-9).
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