Taking Jesus's Words Out Of Context To Get People To Tithe

Good afternoon, everyone! Earlier I posted on Facebook that I would be sharing about a passage that I believe the church has been taking out of context and teaching almost the exact opposite of what Jesus' point was initially.

One thing I wish to say before I get into the Text is that I have yet to find a place in Scripture where, when Jesus was teaching, did He stop His train of though, teach something that completely different, then continue with His original topic. Having said that, let's find out what Jesus said and where the many churches and pastoral leaders are missing the point (And I credit Dr. John MacArthur for pointing this out in one of his Podcasts I was listening to.)

In The Gospel According to Saint Mark Chapter 12:35 - Chapter 13:2 it is written:

^{35 And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?}

^{36 And David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.}

^{37 David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.}

^{38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,}

^{39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:}

^{40 Which devour widow' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: theses shall receive greater damnation.}

^{41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.}

^{42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.}

^{43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than they which have cast into the treasury;}

^{44 For all they did cast in of the abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.}

^{Ch. 13:1-2} 

^{1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!}

^{2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.}

 Ok, so we read that Jesus was in the Temple teaching and, after clearing up who He is, He goes on to warn the folks about the Scribes (the ones who made up Laws for Jews to follow) He told them how they love to wear fancy high dollar suits; love for people to come up to them in the marketplace saying hi and telling them how anointed they are; they love sitting in the front row or up on the stage during church services; eating dinner at Chez Pontius Pilate"s up in the Penthouse Restaurant; making old widows send in their tithes, offerings and "Love Gifts" until she's standing in Faith under a bridge, homeless; and finally filling their prayers with so many Father Gods it takes them 20 minutes to say " Lord, Please heal little Sally's booboo. Amen" After that He sits down and watches people drop their money in the plate and notices thr rich dropping $20, $30, $50 or whatever then hop in their Imported Chariots while checking out Facescroll on their phones. Then He sees that "certain widow", giving her last two pennies to the church. 

Here is where I believe church leaders are making a big mistake by taking what Jesus said out of context to increase their church bank accounts, and sadly their own wallets. They take the event of the old widow giving her last two coins to the church as doing it out of love and faith and she's going to be blessed for it. Jesus never mentions Love or Faith as being the reasons why she gives her last two coins. But what did He say just prior watching her? He warns of the ones who make up the rules. Right? And what is one thing He says they do? Devour widows homes! Notice how the Bible says, when she's approaching the Treasury, along came a "certain widow"? Why not just any old widow? The Holy Ghost is wanting us to know there is Something about this old widow that is unique. What we do not know for sure but maybe it was HER HOUSE that was devoured! So here's my point about the context, the story of the Widow has continuity with what Jesus was saying just prior to her happening on the scene. But not only that!! It has continuity with what is written in Chapter 13, verses 1 and 2! 

^{1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!}

^{2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.}

If you stop reading Mark 12 tonight then tomorrow night pick up at Ch 13, the first 2 verses seem completely random because in vs 3 is a completely different thing all together! So keep the first 2 verses in context with the end of Ch 12 and what do you get? A misled Disciple (Judas?) trying to justify the Prosperity Preaching of the times: Look at our HUGE MEGA CHURCH! And Jesus quickly reduced his argument to rubble, just as He did that Temple.

Something to think about the next time you're enticed to give beyond your means. I'm all for Tithing. Even giving more out of love and appreciation for Jesus and His Church. But please don't let reverse psychiatry trick you into having your house devoured. And pray for those who are misleading God's People.

Thank you. Love Joe.