True Religion

Three apparently disconnected declarations turn out to have a theme. Jesus exposes the teachers' lack in terms of discernment, humility, kindness and generosity. He begins by leading them to understand the Messiah prophecied by David was not only superior to the ancient king, but the kingdom he would bring would be of a very different kind to the one they expected. He would be a Great High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, a Gentile! This unique dual role of priest and king would end the Jewish priesthood and institute a global expansion of the kingdom of God.

The passage ends with a lesson from a poor widow. Her tiny offering to the temple, although insignificant in a monetary sense, would go down in the annals of the church for all time as an example of sacrificial giving that reveals a true love for God.