They were always trying to catch Jesus is his own words. They wanted him to say something illegal or worthy of condemnation. However, he often caught them in their own words! He condemned their hypocrisy all day. Then a widow walks in and puts a smile on the face of Jesus. She gives her offering and leaves. She exemplifies that giving that is to be from the heart rather than to be seen. Is the Lord most interested in our money or our motive? It is clear from this passage which it is. It is more important to note the response of Jesus than the act of the widow.

1 – His location (vs. 35)

Notice two things about the location.

• In the Temple. Jesus has been teaching in the Temple. He is the very fulfilment of the Temple. Jesus was greater than the Temple. The furniture, sacrifices and building all pointed to Him. The people do not realise that they are in the very presence of God
• At the treasury. This was the offering table. There were thirteen boxes for offerings with each box labelled. The people would through their money into whatever box they wanted to give toward. Jesus is very interested in the offering. The offering is to be part of the worship service.
• You reap back later what you have sown.

2 – His observation

While Jesus is in this location he observes two things of interest.

• He sees the money (vs. 41). He is interested in the money.

1. The wealthy brought much. It is not wrong to amass money. It is the love of money that is evil. What is your attitude toward money? Do you control the money or does it control you? Some people have the ability to make more money than other people. There is nothing wrong with this. Your offering ought to reflect what Good has given you. Don’t be a tight-wad. We want to give God credit but we don’t want to give Him cash! If God pleases you with much then give much.
2. The widow brought mites (vs. 42). She brought in the smallest coin in circulation and throws in two mites. Jesus sees this. Nothing is too small for God. This was a real sacrifice for this woman.

• He sees the motives (vs. 41). He notices “how” the people gave. It was not the amount that concerned Him. Jesus was more interested in their motive. This is something that we cannot see but Jesus can examine their motives. Do not give unless you are doing it in your heart for the right motive. God is not interested in those who give just to be seen. If your motive is wrong then your money doesn’t really matter.

3 – His declaration (vs. 43-44)

Jesus compliments this woman. Not to her but to the disciples. He compliments her for three things.

• The liberality of her gift. The fat cats had written big cheques but the woman had given all that she had. She had shown more sacrifice than those who had more. She was trusting in God to bless her for her sacrifice. The Lord does not look at how much you give but how much you have left!
• The sacrificatory of her gift. We do not give on the basis of what other people give. We give on the basis of how God has blessed us. It is often the people who have money who are stingy. The Church is supported mostly by those ordinary people who are sacrificial in their giving. Don’t cheat God!
• The totality of her gift. She has given till she can’t give no more. You don’t have to give away all of your money. You can’t compete with God. He will always give you more than you can give back to Him!

4 – Conclusion

Giving reveals five things about a person.

• It reveals what is in your heart.
• It reveals your growth in Christ.
• It reveals your faith. It takes faith to believe that if we give generously that God will bless us.
• It reveals your excitement. If you sow then you are going to reap. Do you stay excited when your give to the Lord?
• It reveals your reward. Giving always reaps a reward. It may not be money. It could be your heath or something else. You don’t know what it will be. Would you rather have £50,000 or a terminal tumour? God can bless us in so many ways if we sow. Don’t forget to give to God!

Categories: Mark