In the Gospel of Mark, we learn about the Parable of the Poor Widow. How are we to fully understand the lesson that Jesus was teaching within the Gospel? In the previous verses, Jesus denounces the self-righteous scribes who seek after the best seats in the synagogue and places of honor at banquets, which devour widows houses. Meaning, they take advantage of the most vulnerable in their society. Is that different than any church that is out there? Honestly ponder the question while we consider the words of Paul Acts 20, “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” That pretty much debunks the myths surrounding the “body” of Christ and what the true temple is. It also throws a wrench into all teachers, pastors, ministers, and Christian “authorities” that gain off of their Gospel knowledge.

As we learn within the Parables of Jesus, He is teaching us many valuable lessons. The Parable of the Poor Widow is no different. He even tells us one of the requirements as followers of His. And, it is a pretty big one. We learn from the Messiah in Matthew, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Did you know that this is a part of the lesson within the Parable of the Poor Widow?

Let us now dive into the deeper meaning behind the Parable and see precisely what Jesus Christ was teaching His disciples.

After reading and digesting the lessons within the free eBook, I would like to present to you an additional teaching which ties the Parable of the Poor Widow into the Parable of the Sower. Sit back, open your eyes and ears, and pay attention to what we are watching together.

Within the pages of Lift Up A Banner are many Bible Studies, lessons, videos, and free eBooks which simplify the teachings from the Bible. I pray that you take the time to explore all that is contained herein and share what you have been led to understand. A good place to start would be at the beginning, the very beginning. You can read all of the Free Christian eBooks in order and then continue your journey through the posts and videos on the Homepage. There are countless posts, videos, and lessons which can be accessed in detail by scrolling through all of the recent posts at the top right of the screen.

We learn of the story of the ten virgins. Five of them were wise and five were foolish. First, we understand the importance that they are all virgins. So they must be aware of what the Bible teaches on this subject. Second, we learn that the wise virgins have their lamps filled with oil. How does one who knows the LORD, always make sure that their own lamps are full? Jesus tells us this, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” An oil lamp is always meant to be lit to give light to the house and those that are around it. We are told by the Messiah once again, in another way, the same thing. We are also told this by Him elsewhere, “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Knowing the truth isn’t enough. Walking it out in faith to the very end is what is required of all of us. “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.” – Philippians 3:12-16.

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” – Matthew 6:24-25.

Jonathan Heller – Lift Up A Banner