The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the juxtaposition of religious performance and genuine faith, as articulated through the poignant narrative of the widow's offering. We delve into the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus admonishes the religious scholars for their ostentatious displays of piety, which often mask a deeper exploitation of the vulnerable. Through this discourse, we explore the notion that true generosity transcends mere financial contributions; it necessitates a profound examination of privilege and systemic inequalities. Our discussion urges listeners to reflect upon their own practices of giving, advocating for transformative actions that ensure equitable support for those in need. Ultimately, we invite you to engage with the text and consider how authentic faith can manifest in both personal and communal dimensions.
Takeaways:
The podcast emphasizes the importance of authenticity over mere performance in faith practices.
We are encouraged to scrutinize systems that exploit the vulnerable within our communities.
The widow's offering serves as a critique of societal norms regarding wealth and generosity.
Listeners are challenged to advocate for systemic changes that promote economic justice for all.
A key takeaway is the call to recognize our privileges and utilize them for uplifting others.
The podcast underscores the necessity of genuine care and presence in our interactions with those in need.
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
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Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)
Transcripts
Speaker A:
Hello, my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:
This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.
Speaker A:
In a bit I will read the New Testament lesson selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
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The reading is understandable.
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I use the message version relatable.
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Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.
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We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.
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It's all brought to you by voiceofgoddaily.com which is the home of your free personal Bible Study Guide, the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A:
lionaires a million people by:
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You can help by saving and subscribing to the podcast and tagging your friends.
Speaker A:
Here's today's reading and today's reading is.
Speaker B:
From the Gospel of Luke:
Speaker A:
Watch out for the religion scholars.
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They love to walk around in academic gowns, praying in the radiance of public flattery, bask in prominent positions, sit at the head table at every church function.
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And all the time they're exploiting the weak and helpless.
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The longer their prayers, the worse they get.
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But they'll pay for it in the end.
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Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate.
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He saw a poor widow put in.
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Two pennies and he said, the plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today.
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All these others made offerings that they will never miss.
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She, she gave extravagantly of what she could afford and she gave her all.
Speaker B:
Wow, a great reading from the scriptures.
Speaker B:
Let's talk about when religious performance meets genuine faith.
Speaker B:
Let's talk about this actually, in terms of some points to ponder about things that we can learn from this passage here about religious performance.
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The first one is that performance is a trap.
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Jesus calls out these religious scholars who are essentially putting on a show.
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You know, after 33 years of marriage and raising three kids, I've learned that authenticity beats performance every day.
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It's like when I'm working with cancer impacted patients and families on my podcast, Cancer Comedy.
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They don't need impressive words.
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They need genuine presence and care.
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Jesus is criticizing a system where religious leaders were more concerned with their their appearance than with serving others.
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Second point to ponder is the power and the privilege.
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Here's where it gets really interesting from a progressive perspective.
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Jesus isn't just criticizing individual behavior.
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He's calling out systematic exploitation.
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These religious leaders were exploiting the weak and helpless while maintaining a veneer of respectability.
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It's like watching a game.
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I like to watch my pacers in fever play.
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Sometimes one team seems to have all the advantages or it tries to bend the rules.
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Jesus is saying, hey, check your privilege.
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That's not what this is all about.
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The third thing is about redefining generosity.
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The widow's story isn't just about giving money.
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It's about challenging our entire understanding of value and sacrifice.
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When Jesus points out that she gave.
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Her all, he's not praising the fact.
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That she was forced into such a position.
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He's critiquing a system that would require such a sacrifice from the poor, while the wealthy gave only from their excess.
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Here's your action step.
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A challenge to examine your own relationship with privilege and generosity.
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Instead of giving from excess, find one way to advocate for a systematic change that would make extreme sacrifice unnecessary.
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Maybe it's supporting organizations working for economic justice or speaking up against policies that are a burden to the poor.
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Remember, like my granddaughters often remind me through their innocent wisdom, sharing isn't just about giving things away.
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It's about making sure everyone has enough to begin with.
Speaker B:
We'll have a closing prayer here in just a minute.
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I want you to know we have a great resource for you for your own individual Bible study.
Speaker B:
It's the ABC123 Bible Study Method.
Speaker B:
Pick it up at our website, voiceofgoddaily.com let's pray.
Speaker B:
Oh God, you, loving God, help us see through the performances we put on, the ones we witness around us.
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Give us courage to be authentic in our faith and generous with our whole selves, not just our excess.
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When we're tempted to seek approval through outward shows of piety, remind us of the widow's quiet dignity.
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Guide us in working toward a world where no one has to give their last penny to survive.
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Help us to recognize and use our privileges to lift others up rather than elevate ourselves in a spirit of true compassion and justice.
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We pray.
Speaker B:
Amen.
Speaker A:
My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
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The daily Bible refresh is completely listener supported.
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Your gift goes a long way to getting the audible word of God from a progressive perspective into 2 million years.
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A million people by:
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Thanks much.
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My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your daily Bible Refresh.
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Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.
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Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.
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His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.
