Mark 12.  Jesus continues to teach his disciples by drawing attention to spiritual realities they are observing in the physical Jerusalem.  He points out a poor widow and her offering of two leptas – about 1/64th of a day’s wage  — insignificant in everyone’s eyes except God’s.

1. The religious and political leaders in Jerusalem were the ones with clout and significance, and they liked it that way.  Jesus’ parable of the tenants was directed toward them (1-12).
2. The Herodians rightly said that Jesus was “no swayed by appearances.”  He could see through them.  He knew they did not seek to honor God (13-17).
3. The Sadducees’ problem with the resurrection was their failure to recognize who God is (18-27).
4. The scribe was close.  He knew what mattered to God, but was not willing to live out his knowledge (28-34).

Jesus taught that these professional teachers of the law and religion should be avoided.  Their public display of spirituality hid a private lust for power and money.  They made no contribution to the kingdom.