Sat over against - Opposite to, in full sight of.The treasury - This was in the court of the women. See the notes at Matthew 21:12. In that court there were fixed a number of places or coffers, made with a large open mouth in the shape of a trumpet, for the purpose of receiving the offerings of the people; and the money thus contributed was devoted to the service of the temple - to incense, sacrifices, etc. read more
Mark 12:41-44. Jesus sat over against the treasury “Jesus was now in the treasury, or that part of the women’s court where the chests were placed for receiving the offerings of those who came to worship. These chests, being thirteen in number, had each of them an inscription, signifying for what use the offerings put into them were destined; and were fixed to the pillars of the portico which surrounded the court. From these voluntary contributions were bought wood for the altar, salt, and... read more
130. The widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4)In one of the courts of the temple were large containers into which people dropped their gifts of money. The containers were in an open place, and onlookers could easily see how much people put in. Also, those who gave a lot could easily attract attention to themselves. Jesus noticed that some of the rich gave generously, but a poor widow gave an amount so small that it was almost of no value in the local market place (Mark 12:41-42).Jesus,... read more
Mark 12:41-44 is parallel with Luke 21:1-4 . See notes there. the treasury. Situated in the women's court, occupying about 200 feet square, and surrounded by a colonnade. Inside, against the wall, were thirteen receptacles, called "trumpets" (from their shape) nine being for legal dues, and four for voluntary contributions. All labelled for their special objects. beheld = observed thoughtfully. Greek. theoreo. App-133 . cast = are casting. money = copper money; called prutah, two of which... read more
And he sat down over against the treasury, and beheld how the multitude cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.THE WIDOW'S TWO MITESThe treasury ... This was located in the court of women, in which collection boxes had been installed to receive offerings. The Sanhedrin met within earshot of the place; and it was here that they brought the woman taken in adultery. It was the scene of some of Jesus' most remarkable teachings (John 8:1-20).And he beheld how the... read more
Mark 12:41. And Jesus sat over-against the treasury,— Jesus was now in the treasury, or that part of the women's court, where the chests were placed for receiving the offerings of those who came to worship. These chests, being thirteen in number, had each of them an inscription fixed to the pillars of the portico which surrounded the court, and signifying for what use the offerings put into them were destined. Hence the propriety of St. Mark's expression, Jesus sat over-against the treasury; he... read more
B. Jesus’ teaching in the temple 11:27-12:44This entire section contains Jesus’ teaching in the temple courtyard on Wednesday. The religious leaders first questioned Jesus’ authority (Mark 11:12 to Mark 12:12) and then His teaching (Mark 12:13-37). Finally Jesus condemned their hypocrisy and commended a widow’s action that demonstrated reality (Mark 12:38-44). Jesus functioned as a faithful servant of the Lord in the role of a prophet here. read more
3. Jesus’ condemnation of hypocrisy and commendation of reality 12:38-44Jesus proceeded to condemn His accusers who had condemned Him. They had condemned Him because He did not fit their ideas of Messiah. He had shown that the Old Testament presented a different Messiah than the one they wanted. Now He condemned them for failing to measure up to what the Old Testament required of them. This section concludes Mark’s account of Jesus’ public ministry and resumes Jesus’ teaching of His disciples. read more
There were 13 trumpet-shaped metal receptacles (Heb. shofar) that the priests had placed against a wall of the women’s courtyard to receive the Jews’ offerings. [Note: Mishnah Shekalim 6:5.] The court of the women was within the court of the Gentiles, the outermost court of the temple. A low barrier separated the court of the Gentiles from the other courtyards and the temple building that lay within this enclosure. The court of the women was farther from the temple building than the court of... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 12:41-44
Parallel passage: Luke 21:1-4 .— The widow's mite. I. THE VALUE INDICATED. A mite ( λεπτόν ) was something very small; our word to represent it being from minute , through the French mite. The value of the two was three-fourth of an English farthing. But it was her all, and showed her singular self-denial. Accordingly, our Lord measured the merit of her liberality not by the amount she gave, but by the self-denial which the gift involved. II. CHRIST SEES ALL... read more