Word@Work 149 - Mark 12:41-44
Published: Fri, 06/20/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 12:41-44 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on." (NIV)
This story follows on from Jesus' warning to the crowd against the hypocritical clerics: and it illustrates His earlier teaching on motives. Rich people can not only afford to give more but also (in this narrative) could not afford to pass up the chance for everybody to notice. This was supposed to be service to God. But it became a self-rewarding exercise of no spiritual value (cf Matt.6:1-4). It was not that the giving was wrong, but it lacked sincere motive. It was also only a tiny proportion of their assets - they could easily afford it to buy the acclaim of the crowd.
By contrast, the widow had very little, but because of her devotion she gave everything. It was that ultimate sacrificial gift that Jesus commended. It was also a little picture of His sacrifice later that week. The value to God was far higher than that of the rich man's cast-off cash. It was not what she gave that counted, but how much she did not hold back.
Prudence often dictates our financial giving, more than our devotion to Jesus Christ. That is not good. The Christian life is intended to be a life like Christ's, in which we are willing to give everything. Holding back what should have been devoted to God was the sin of Achan (Josh. 7:1-26), Saul (1 Sam. 15:1-23) and Ananias & Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). Let's be determined not to follow their bad example!
Prayer: Holy Father. I know that You look for a cheerful and willing giver. Help me to reconsider my tithes and offerings so that I will give what You deserve. For Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
This story follows on from Jesus' warning to the crowd against the hypocritical clerics: and it illustrates His earlier teaching on motives. Rich people can not only afford to give more but also (in this narrative) could not afford to pass up the chance for everybody to notice. This was supposed to be service to God. But it became a self-rewarding exercise of no spiritual value (cf Matt.6:1-4). It was not that the giving was wrong, but it lacked sincere motive. It was also only a tiny proportion of their assets - they could easily afford it to buy the acclaim of the crowd.
By contrast, the widow had very little, but because of her devotion she gave everything. It was that ultimate sacrificial gift that Jesus commended. It was also a little picture of His sacrifice later that week. The value to God was far higher than that of the rich man's cast-off cash. It was not what she gave that counted, but how much she did not hold back.
Prudence often dictates our financial giving, more than our devotion to Jesus Christ. That is not good. The Christian life is intended to be a life like Christ's, in which we are willing to give everything. Holding back what should have been devoted to God was the sin of Achan (Josh. 7:1-26), Saul (1 Sam. 15:1-23) and Ananias & Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). Let's be determined not to follow their bad example!
Prayer: Holy Father. I know that You look for a cheerful and willing giver. Help me to reconsider my tithes and offerings so that I will give what You deserve. For Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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