This week Sean unpacks a familiar story, that as he's discovered over time, has far more to it than a first impression may give.
The temple courts have been something of a battle ground for Jesus as he challenged the authorities there, eventually stunning them into silence.
As he's sat near the temple treasury, people watching with his mates, he highlights the plight of the poor at the expense of the exploitation of the powerful.
In a story that is often celebrated as wonderful act of devotion and discipleship from the widow, there's also reason for deep lament about what was going on. The temple had become an expensive place to pray.
Sean lays down a challenge, "When we settle for a more comfortable reading of Jesus teaching, the church runs the risk of looking no different to any other greedy, abusive empire, or regime." What would Jesus be pointing out to his mates today?
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You can also read the relevant bible passage, Mark 12:41-44 online at:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2012%3A41-44&version=NIV;MSG
You can also subscribe to this series playlist on YouTube here: 
• Marks Gospel Series and also find 150+ additional bible reflections and stories, from various God’s Squad members around the world.
• Marks Gospel Series and also find 150+ additional bible reflections and stories, from various God’s Squad members around the world. Sean Stillman is God’s Squad’s International President and member of GSCMC South Wales, UK.
This presentation, and many of the previous and following ones in this series that Sean will present, includes references, quotes and research from the following sources;
Meeting God in Mark, Rowan Williams, 2014.
Binding the Strong Man, Ched Myers, 1998, (2008 edition)
Mark, Paideia Commentary on the New Testament, Mary Ann Beavis, 2011.
The Gospel of Mark, The New International Commentary on the New Testament, William L. Lane, 1974.
The Gospel According to St. Mark, Black’s New Testament Commentaries, Morna D. Hooker, 1981, (2003 edition)
Life on the Road, Athol Gill, 1992.
Mark, New International Biblical Commentary, Larry W. Hurtado, 1983, (1998 edition).
Mark, Tyndale New Testament Commentary, R. Alan Cole, 1961, (1989 edition)
Mark Gospel of Action: Personal and Community Responses, Ed. John Vincent, 2006