In Mark 12:38-44, Jesus warns against the pride of the scribes, highlighting their “look at me” attitude, where their goal is the admiration of those around them. Contrasting this with the quiet offering of a widow, Jesus shows that pride is a major barrier to gratitude. Pride not only blocks us from being thankful but also keeps us from experiencing the peace and joy God intends.
1. Pride: The “Look at Me” Barrier to Gratitude
In Mark 12:38-39, Jesus cautions, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts.” Here, Jesus critiques the prideful attitude of the scribes. They love to be looked up to by others. Their position isn’t the issue—it’s the self-centered pride that drives them to seek attention and admiration.
Pride is more than self-confidence. It’s a focus on ourselves, elevating our desires and achievements above God and others. It is a fixation on one’s own excellence or importance, often resulting in a self-centered lifestyle. The scribes sought recognition from people and approval from others, even to the point of exploiting the poor for personal gain.
Pride blinds us to gratitude. The scribes, fixated on their image, couldn’t rest in God’s love and grace, making them miss out on a deeper relationship with Him. Jesus mentions that those who seek admiration for their outward religiosity “have their reward” (Matthew 6:5) because they’ve achieved what they were after—human approval, not closeness with God.
The Root of Pride in the Garden
Pride has ancient roots in humanity. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve’s choice to eat from the forbidden tree shows their belief that they could “be like God.” The allure of self-promotion led them to trust in themselves over God. Similarly, when we’re driven by pride, we end up blinded to God’s blessings, and gratitude slips through our fingers.
In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis observes, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” Pride keeps us looking inward, always focused on ourselves, which blocks the peace and joy that come from a grateful heart.
2. Humility: The Foundation of Gratitude and Openness to God’s Joy
In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus sits across from the temple treasury and observes people putting money into the offering box. Rich people make large contributions, but a poor widow offers two small coins—all she has. Jesus commends her: “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing… she out of her poverty has put in everything she had” (Mark 12:43-44).
While the wealthy make loud offerings, the widow’s offering is quiet and humble. Her humility shows her trust in God, and Jesus honors her because her giving was driven by faith, not a desire for recognition. God sees and treasures our hearts because He loves us deeply.
As Lewis explains, a humble person doesn’t constantly remind others of their lowliness. Instead, “he will not be thinking about himself at all.” Such humility allows us to focus outward, on God and others, freeing us to appreciate life’s blessings.
Pride narrows our view to ourselves, robbing us of joy. When Jesus tells us He came to give us “life and life abundantly” (John 10:10), it’s an invitation to release our grip on pride and receive the fullness of life in Him.
3. The Gospel: God’s Unconditional Love and Forgiveness in Christ
Even when we’re mired in pride, God’s love reaches us. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Our pride doesn’t limit God’s love. Instead, His love remains steadfast, calling us back from striving for worthiness through accomplishments, admiration, or social status.
Our identity in Christ transforms us. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we’re forgiven and welcomed as God’s children. This identity brings security—we no longer need to prove ourselves or seek validation. We’re already loved and accepted, freeing us from pride and allowing us to live with humility, resting in His grace.
Biblical Self-Care
In recognizing our worth in Christ, we can embrace self-care as stewardship, not selfish pride. Jesus Himself took time for solitude and prayer, caring for His needs to better serve others. Like a tow truck that must maintain itself to help others, we are called to care for the person God has made us to be. When rooted in God’s love, self-care isn’t prideful but an act of gratitude and readiness for service.
4. Growing in Virtue Rather Than Fixating on Vice
While it’s essential to recognize pride, growth doesn’t come through constant self-analysis. We do better by cultivating virtue than trying to eliminate vice. True growth happens by cultivating humility. Psalm 139:23-24 models this mindset, asking, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!” This openness to God’s guidance allows us to grow in virtue without obsessing over flaws.
Questions for self-reflection can help, such as:
- Do I feel slighted if my service goes unrecognized?
- Do I compare myself to others for validation?
- Am I focused on God’s gifts or what I feel I lack?
These diagnostic questions can help us find where we are operating in pride. But, again, the path upward is that once we have recognized our pride (or other sin that has a hold on us), we concentrate on building virtue rather than simply eliminating vice.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Humility and Gratitude
To foster a spirit of humility and gratitude, we can adopt a few practices:
- Confession: Regularly confess pride to God, asking for humility. First John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us… and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Through confession, we’re freed from the weight of pride, allowing gratitude to flourish.
- Rest in God’s Grace: Remember each day that our worth is found in Christ. Shifting our focus from self to God lets us embrace His forgiveness and grace.
- Pray for a Grateful Heart: True humility acknowledges that everything is a gift from God. By praying for gratitude, we lift our gaze beyond self-focus to the peace and joy God offers.
- Reflect on Christ’s Humility: Philippians 2:5-7 reminds us that Christ “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant.” Meditating on Christ’s humility inspires us to live humbly, loving others without seeking recognition.
- Serve Without Recognition: The widow didn’t give to be noticed; she gave out of devotion. In the same way, we can serve others as an offering to God, not a means of gaining admiration. Try doing at least one secret kindness per day. Practice doing acts of love without recognition.
In Mark 12:38-44, Jesus contrasts the prideful scribes with the humble widow, reminding us that pride is a barrier to gratitude, while humility opens our hearts to God’s blessings. By resting in His love and letting go of self-centeredness, we’re free to experience true joy and peace.
God calls us to come as we are, freed from the weight of pride and striving. Through Christ’s forgiveness, we are empowered to grow in humility and live with grateful hearts. In humbly seeking Him, we find the abundant life we were created to enjoy—filled with the peace and joy that only He can give.
Much grace and peace to you!
