What brings a smile to Jesus’ face

Mark doesn’t tell us so, but I imagine two people brought smiles to Jesus’ face in this chapter.

The first, surprisingly, was a scribe. Surprising because most scribes were hostile to Jesus.

The second was a poor widow.

Why do I think they brought smiles to Jesus’ faith.

They both had something in common. They understood that more than our keeping a bunch of rules, God is interested in our hearts.

For the scribe, he understood that though God had commanded the Jews to give burnt offerings and sacrifices, God desires people who love him with all their hearts, minds, soul, and strength even more.

And God also desires people who values those God values, namely, every single person God has created.

For the widow, she understood that though she had so little to give, God was more interested in her love and trust in him than how much money she put into the offering box.

So many people that day were probably keeping the letter of the law, tithing and giving much more than that widow. But this woman’s heart belonged to God. And Jesus saw that.

May we all bring a smile to our Lord’s face.