Daily Bread

1. Watch out for the teachers of the law (38-40)

Jesus warned against the hypocritical teachers of the law. It's because they loved themselves more than God and man's recognition more than God's. They used God and their God-given authority and position for their own honor and riches, instead of glorifying God and loving widows and poor neighbors as themselves. Instead, they only pretended to love God and love their neighbors. In reality, they deceived others by their hypocritical prayers. They took advantage of widows. Jesus warned that such people would be punished the most by God who can see man's inner motives.

2. She has put in more than the rich (41-44)

People might have praised the rich who threw large sums of money making a big sound in the offering box. They ignored and despised the widow and her several coins. But Jesus revealed that God knows the widow's heart. She loved God and obeyed his command to love God and her neighbor more than herself. She could pour in everything she had with great faith that God would take care of her future when she sought God first.

Prayer: Lord, help me not to use you for my glory but use all for your glory and to love my neighbors. Help me offer like the poor widow!

One Word: Love God and love your neighbor.