[From the version for families with children]
Let’s go inside the Temple with Jesus and some of his disciples. You would think that the Temple leaders would be angry with Jesus, for just a few days before, he had turned over their tables with lots of money for the animals that people needed to buy for the holy feast of Passover. Still, Jesus is very bold and enters the Temple.
Stand by Jesus as he talks with you and his friends about what he sees going on. First he points out the leaders sitting and standing around in their places of honor wanting to show off to others how important they are. There they are, some sitting in their seats of honor, others and standing about making pious gestures meant to impress others. Actually, what is most important to them are themselves and how much they want other people to think they are holy.
Then, in another area, lots of people are standing in line coming to give their offering in the collection box. Jesus notices a very old lady, all bent over, waiting her turn to give her offering. Jesus knows what she is giving. What difference does Jesus make between her gift and those of all the others in line with their gifts?
How much of your own money are you willing to give to God when you go to church? God might even place it on your heart to give money instead of spending it on a video game you wanted to buy for yourself. When we give what is a sacrifice to us, it lets God and each one of us know how important God is in our lives…much more important than anything we would have spent with that money…certainly much more important than ourselves!
What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year B, we read from the Gospel of Mark
For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook. You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.
The Bible Through the Seasons 