When Less Is More
Opening Prayer
Loving Father God, I thank You for being so very generous to me and giving me so very much.
Read Mark 12:41-44
[41] 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. [42] But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. [43] Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. [44] They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything-all she had to live on.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
Reflect
How could Jesus say this woman gave more than others?It’s been an eventful few days in the Temple. There have been challenges to the traders, plots to kill Jesus, trick questions, theological arguments, warnings to the people. And now Jesus sits down and watches people giving money. He may have been in the Temple treasury or he may have been looking at the 13 trumpet-like containers in the Court of Women. Wherever he was, what he saw was a massive contrast. The rich were giving large amounts (41) unlike the poor widow (42). She might have been too poor even to have been cheated by the teachers (12:40) — to be cheated you have to have at least some kind of wealth! But Jesus showed that generosity is not really about how much you give. It’s more about what you have left. And in the case of this widow, that was nothing. However, after all the ups and downs of these days, here is a moment of intimacy. It is the disciples who Jesus takes to one side to point out the widow (43). Jesus’ challenges about giving and generosity come to his followers first and foremost.
Apply
How does this incident challenge you and your giving to God? What difference might it make this coming Sunday?
Closing prayer
Recall some of the many blessings you’ve received recently. Pray for a grateful and generous heart to grow in you.
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