Preparing For the Future Without Fear
Krystalynn
After Saturday’s overview, Sunday covered the short story of the widow and her two coins (Mark 12:41-44). Jesus watched as people placed money into the treasury, many wealthy individuals gave large amounts. Later, a poor widow arrived and placed two small coins, worth very little. Jesus told His disciples that the widow had given more than all the others because, while the rich gave from their surplus, she gave everything she had.
As the lesson noted, the temple in Jerusalem was a magnificent structure with large stones, some weighing tons. Its remodeling and expansion began under Herod the Great around 20 B.C. and continued into the A.D. 60s. In the temple’s Court of the Women, people made offerings in 13 chests. Jesus noticed a widow who gave two lepta, worth one thirty-second of a day’s wage. Despite the small value, Jesus praised her offering because she gave all she had, unlike the wealthy who gave from their abundance. Even though there were corrupt leaders who might have used this woman’s sacrifice for evil, she still gave because she was giving to God and not to man. The lesson ended with a great point: “. . . withholding tithes or offerings when leaders do something displeasing means that the giving is tied to their actions instead of being made in thankfulness to God.”
This story highlights the value of sacrificial giving. Jesus emphasizes that the worth of the gift is not determined by its monetary value but by the spirit in which it is given. True generosity is not about how much we give but about the heart and sacrifice behind giving. A lesson from this story is that our giving should reflect trust, devotion, and commitment to God. The widow’s offering, though small, demonstrated her faithfulness and trust in God to provide for her needs. She gave everything, showing her priority was honoring God above her material security. Even when resources are limited, giving to God’s work with a pure heart and trust in His provision is a meaningful act of worship and devotion.
As I reflect on this story I am in awe of her faith. She could have held onto those coins and used them for her livelihood. No one would have blamed her, but she gave it to the work of the Lord. What was her sacred sacrifice for, and was it used for the good of God’s kingdom? She never asked and probably never knew. Do we do the same?
Ezrica
Reflecting on the story of the widow, I believe this narrative goes far beyond resources. In a recent Sabbath School commentary, we discussed the significance of being an unmarried woman in that culture. We aren’t told what led to her widow status, the fact that she is identified as such in the Bible underscores the importance of marital status. I found myself pondering the cultural implications of her life. What emotional burdens did she carry? Did she have her whole life ahead of her without a partner, or had she already lived a full life? Was her husband the sole provider? We don’t know the details of her life, but Jesus took note of her act of giving and praised it. As you mentioned, giving is truly about the heart. Whatever motivated this widow to give that day, it deeply honored Jesus and led Him to publicly affirm her actions. What I find interesting is that Jesus didn’t change her circumstances. He didn’t give her money or promise her riches. He did praise the way she lived from a place of abundance.
In Monday’s lesson, we see Jesus and the disciples discussing the temple, with Jesus predicting what is to come. Peter, James, John, and Andrew are eager to know the precise timing. Instead of a timeline, Jesus offers a glimpse into their future as the founders of the early Christian church. The phrase “the time is not yet” stands out to me.
I often think about how my teenage self might have reacted if I had known the magnitude of the trials and successes I would face by following God. I most likely would have oscillated between feeling overwhelmed and deterred. Jesus knew exactly what his disciples’ future held, but He didn’t reveal it all at once. We often find ourselves in the role of Peter, James, John, and Andrew, eager to know how things will unfold, convinced that we are ready to bear the weight of future events. I find it both comforting and unsettling that God alone knows the timing of events. I find comfort in trusting that He will reveal things to us at the right time. But it’s unsettling because the unknown is always daunting.
The lesson continues on Tuesday, discussing the future of the Jewish nation including the fall of Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy in Daniel. Bible prophecies intrigue me because they don’t reveal all the truth, but enough to display God’s trustworthiness. In Adventism, we hold prophecy dearly, sometimes as if it were the entire truth. We have a different vantage point than the disciples back then and we have the privilege of reading the complete Bible. Nevertheless, I believe God remains the same. He provides us with partial truths, revealing the full picture over time. I wish we approached prophecy with the humility to acknowledge that only God understands the complete story. Coupled with that humility, we should remain open to unfolding new truths about God, His word, His character, His people, and His desires for the church.
Despite the Jewish nation having the prophecy of the temple’s destruction, what strikes me the most is that in many ways they were still caught off guard. I can’t help but wonder if we are positioning ourselves for a similar experience.
Krystalynn
I really appreciate hearing your personal experience and perspectives. I loved your reminder that although we value prophecy, we must remain humble, recognizing only God knows the full truth. I also appreciate the caution you voiced, concerning fixating on Bible prophecies that could result in missing the essence of Christ. As a child, certain church functions focused on Bible prophecy. There was at times an emphasis on conspiracy theories and fear-mongering. Almost like an Adventist version of ghost stories with a prophetic emphasis and fear to persuade those in attendance to “be ready” for the end of times. Many people would be baptized as a result of these “evangelistic” meetings. But, was it out of their love for Christ or due to a sense of impending doom? How many of them stayed?
Wednesday’s lesson explained key points from Mark 13 regarding the “abomination of desolation” and significant period of persecution. Verse 14 references a prophecy from Daniel about an abomination that causes desolation, marking a pivotal point in the chapter. That pivotal point comes in Mark 13:19, speaking of a future great tribulation unparalleled since the world’s creation. This indicates a time of intense persecution greater than the fall of Jerusalem. This persecution period is linked to prophecies in Daniel, referring to the “little-horn” power persecuting God’s people for 1,260 years from A.D. 538 to A.D. 1798. During this time, those opposing a certain church governance were persecuted. Mark 13:20-23 offers hope, stating that the period of persecution would be shortened for the sake of God’s people and warns of false prophets and false christs who would appear before Jesus’ return.
A few questions come to mind. First, when the lesson states that the “fires of persecution did lessen after the rise of the protestant reformation,” it only pertains to a particular worldview and location. What about those who live in other parts of the world that are still experiencing great persecution for their faith? Second, regarding false christs, this could pertain to actual leaders who will claim to be christ. But, it could also include those who profess to uphold the way of Jesus yet their actions show them to be anti-christ. It’s easier to warn others about leaders who will claim to be Christ than to look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we might be claiming to follow Christ while not truly aligning with Him.
Thursday’s lesson describes the return of Jesus, marked by cosmic signs in the sun, moon, and stars. This event is emphasized throughout the New Testament combined with descriptions from Paul, Peter, and Revelation. All of them highlight that Jesus’ return will be visible and unmistakable. The lesson covered the term “this generation,” a phrase used by Jesus. It has sparked debate as the generation He spoke of is no longer alive. Some interpretations suggest that “generation” could mean race, such as the Jews or those who witness the end-time signs. A more straightforward interpretation, according to the lesson, claims that “this generation” refers to the people living in the first century who witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem while “that day” refers to the future second coming of Christ.
I found a few great points in Thursday’s lesson, yet they all seemed very mathematical and proof-texty (if I can make that word). As you mentioned before, Ezrica, I would have loved a few sentences about how this passage ties into our relationship with God and others. It’s nice to have a foolproof way to explain a text, but if we don’t know how it applies to loving God and others, we risk becoming what Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13, “…if I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries …but don’t have love, I am nothing.”
Ezrica
Yes, prophecy often emphasizes impending doom. But, I vividly remember one of my theology professors saying that the Second Coming is not about imminence, it’s about certainty. It’s not meant to evoke fear or anxiety; rather it should inspire a sense of sweet reunion. Love, not dread, should be the emotion when we contemplate Christ’s return. Sadly, this perspective is not commonly held within traditional Adventist teachings, as evidenced in Friday’s lesson. I believe it was a missed crucial opportunity to convey this message.
Throughout our commentary journey, I have aimed to remain honest without being harsh. However, as we approach the end of Mark and discuss the Second Coming of Christ, the cornerstone of our denomination, I find myself increasingly at odds with the lens through which the Sabbath School lesson invites us to view this event.
The lesson was particularly triggering for me. Several key elements made it hard to digest, starting with the assertion in the first paragraph: “People are truly frightened about what is unfolding. How can we as Seventh-day Adventists, with a kind of inside track on events, use these things to point people to the hope we have in Jesus and the promise of His coming?”
To me, this statement comes across as profoundly elitist. The notion that Adventists have an “inside track” on events is problematic. Any Bible reader has the same access to knowledge of Christ’s return. The hope we offer is not derived from exclusive knowledge, but from Christ Himself. There is no guarantee that Jesus will return within our lifetime. But His current presence is what provides hope in these troubling times.
The majority of Friday’s study focuses on a quote from The Desire of Ages. The primary theme of Ellen White’s quote is that we are commanded to watch, since we do not know the exact time of Christ’s coming. However, this emphasis on constant vigilance can feel deeply avoidant. It seems like watching for the Second Coming often comes at the expense of addressing present realities. We pour our energy into warnings of Christ’s return and what it means for sinners, all while neglecting the suffering that is happening around us.
White continues, stating that the expectation of Christ’s coming is meant to instill fear of the Lord and His judgment upon transgressions. I can’t help but wonder, if I knew my earthly father was coming home from a trip, and his return filled me with fear, wouldn’t that be a sign of an unhealthy relationship? From my perspective, the wait for Christ’s return should evoke joy, especially among believers. There should be excitement at the thought of His coming. I appreciate that White touches on the need for zeal in working for the salvation of souls. But within the context of Adventism, this often translates to an overwhelming emphasis on baptisms, evangelism, proselytizing, and conversion. While these activities are not inherently wrong, the focus on the future can lead us to lose sight of the present challenges that people face.
I believe in the Second Coming of Christ, but I don’t believe it should be a source of constant anxiety. I have spent years unlearning the stress associated with it and I wish the same for others. The Second coming isn’t impending doom. It is a celebration. I am disappointed that, once again, the Sabbath school lesson fails to present it from this perspective.
About the authors
Ezrica Bennett
