Author: Administrador

This reading from the Gospel of Mark is a two-act drama with some intriguing and troubling connections. In verses 38-40, in what could almost be a riff on Psalm 146:3 (“Put not your trust in rulers, in mortals in whom there is no help.”), Jesus warns about the self-serving scribes who will be condemned for … Continue reading “Mark 12:38-44 Commentary by Henry Langknecht”

Money. Every pastor’s favorite topic. Two brief stories in Mark 12:38-44 deal with wealth issues in ways that are still challenging today.  First are those who think they are more important than everyone else. In verses 38-40 Jesus specifically denounces the scribes. In Mark’s estimation they are self-important, arrogant, and self aggrandizing. This section of … Continue reading “Mark 12:38-44 Commentary by Micah D. Kiel”

Sometimes the headings in English Bibles hinder us from seeing necessary connections. The break between Mark 12:40 and Mark 12:41 with captions such as “The Widow’s Offering” or “A Poor Widow’s Contribution” or “An Act of Faithfulness” prompt readers to read 12:41-44 as a separate, distinct story from what precedes. But this was more than … Continue reading “Mark 12:38-44 Commentary by Emerson Powery”

The average Christian’s perspective on first century Jews, particularly their leaders — high priests, scribes, the Sanhedrin — is understandably derived from the New Testament. While the New Testament is an important source of information, it obviously can skew one’s perspective because the Jewish leaders are usually portrayed as the opponents of Jesus. In Mark … Continue reading “Mark 12:28-44 Commentary by N. Clayton Croy”

Una de las características principales del fenómeno religioso es su dimensión ética. Se refiere a lo que un grupo religioso opina en cuanto a qué es bueno y qué es malo y cuál debe ser el comportamiento moral de ese grupo o de sus miembros. En muchas iglesias cristianas pareciera que se promueve una visión … Continue reading “San Marcos 12:28-34 Comentario por Pablo E. Rojas Banuchi”

En el capítulo 12 de Marcos, Jesús ha estado discutiendo con los principales sacerdotes, los escribas, los ancianos, los fariseos, los herodianos y los saduceos sobre temas diversos: el tributo a César, la posición de la mujer en el mundo venidero y la resurrección de los muertos.  Ahora se acerca a Jesús un escriba, un … Continue reading “San Marcos 12:28-34 Comentario por Osvaldo Vena”

The ancient notion that identity is communal is the background of Mark 12:28-34 To be was to be part of a specific group. The group was present in the individual; the individual represented the group. A primary question was, “Am I faithful to my community?” To be in tension with one’s community was a major … Continue reading “Mark 12:28-34  Commentary by Ron Allen”

The setting for the gospel text for Pentecost 22, November 1 (also All Saints Day), within the gospel of Mark is crucial to understanding of Mark 12:28-34. The teaching of Jesus in Jerusalem is confrontational. He enters the temple three times (11:11, 15, 27), and each time the encounter with the present temple practice becomes … Continue reading “Mark 12:28-34 Commentary by Paul S. Berge”

Mark 12:28-34 provides a stark contrast to the stories that surround it. Here, a scribe emerges from among his colleagues, who are repeatedly berated by Jesus, as an example of a successful inquirer who has a chance to find himself in the Kingdom of God.   Setting this text in its literary context will help clarify … Continue reading “Mark 12:28-34 Commentary by Micah D. Kiel”

Nothing in Mark’s story prepared the reader for this conversation between Jesus and this Jerusalem scribe. Nothing! Mark was a gifted storyteller and managed his narrative craftily. From the opening reference to a scribe (1:22) — during Jesus’ first public action — to the final position of this group mocking a dying Jesus (15:31), no … Continue reading “Mark 12:28-34 Commentary by Emerson Powery”