Mark 12:18-44: Resurrection Riddles and the Widow’s “Might”

The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 12:18-44.

Jesus is challenged by the Sadducees regarding the concept of resurrection and then by one of the scribes on what the greatest commandment is. After Jesus rebuffs these challenges with his infinite wisdom, he then shames the ostentatious displays of wealth by the wealthy with the sacrificial giving of a poor widow. Jesus underscores the value of her humble offering, emphasizing that it surpasses the significance of the larger contributions.

Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could not do ourselves - securing our justification before God. Mark presents Jesus not just as a miracle worker but as the divine Savior whose atoning sacrifice makes salvation possible for lost sinners.