One in Christ

¹¹ So then, remember that at one time you gentiles by birth,^[a] called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision”—a circumcision made in the flesh by human hands^(A)— ¹² remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.^{(B) 13} But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.^{(C) 14} For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us,^{(D) 15} abolishing the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace,^{(E) 16} and might reconcile both to God in one body^[b] through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it.^{[c](F) 17} So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, ¹⁸ for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father.^{(G) 19} So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God,^{(H) 20} built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone;^{[d](I) 21} in him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord,^{(J) 22} in whom you also are built together spiritually^[e] into a dwelling place for God.

Jesus Denounces the Scribes

³⁸ As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces^{(A) 39} and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! ⁴⁰ They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

The Widow’s Offering

⁴¹ He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums.^{(B) 42} A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. ⁴³ Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.^{(C) 44} For all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”