March 9-March 15

JUDGING OUR MOTIVES
Ray Winters
Jonesboro, Arkansas


Mark 9 through 12 are chapters filled with exiting events and parables! The
appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus during the Transfiguration is a pivotal experience in the life of the apostles. This confirms for them the significance of Jesus in their thinking. Moses represented the Law and Elijah the prophets, and both pointed forward to Jesus. They bore witness before Peter, James and John that Jesus was the Christ – the promised one. No doubt was left when the father himself spoke and said “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him.” Such an encounter had to be thrilling and life changing. A clear message was sent: there was no need for Moses and Elijah – they have Jesus and they needed no more. We must ask ourselves “Is he all we need?” “Is he the one we listen to in our daily lives?”

A key, and often misunderstood parable of Jesus is that of the rich, young ruler. Jesus’ answer to the young ruler’s question may seem a bit abrupt or harsh to us. I think Jesus answered him so to make a point. This man understood neither Jesus nor the commandment. So, in order to jolt him awake to his need for humility and trust, Jesus tells him “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven.” The same could be said of us. Even though the commandment to sell all his possessions was particular to this man, the requirement that one must give up whatever is most precious to him for the sake of Christ is universal. Again, we must ask ourselves what are we giving up for the sake of Jesus?

The last part of Mark 12 is very interesting to me. Immediately after giving
the religious leaders a scathing rebuke, Jesus witnessed and praised the example
of a poor widow whose spiritual life was notable for its contrasting genuineness. Why did Jesus call attention to the gift of a poor widow? To make a key, critical point for all who would ever follow him. That point is this: In our giving, praying, and other acts of religious devotion, God evaluates these actions by the motives prompting them!


[Ray Winters serves as a shepherd with the Southwest church of Christ in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He is married to his college sweetheart, Meta, who he met at Harding University. They have two married children, Megan and Jared. Ray is employed by Arkansas State University were he is Chairman of the Radiologic Sciences Department.]