Mark 12:38-44

Easy-to-Read Version

Jesus Criticizes the Teachers of the Law^(A)

³⁸ Jesus continued teaching. He said, “Be careful of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around wearing clothes that look important. And they love for people to show respect to them in the marketplaces. ³⁹ They love to have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. ⁴⁰ But they cheat widows and take their homes. Then they try to make themselves look good by saying long prayers. God will punish them very much.”

True Giving^(B)

⁴¹ Jesus sat near the Temple collection box^[a] and watched as people put money into it. Many rich people put in a lot of money. ⁴² Then a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth less than a penny.

⁴³ Jesus called his followers to him and said, “This poor widow put in only two small coins. But the truth is, she gave more than all those rich people. ⁴⁴ They have plenty, and they gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor, but she gave all she had. It was money she needed to live on.”