Mark 12:44 – June 5, 2021

For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” Mark 12:44 NABRE           

Jesus sits in the temple and observes those coming and in particular those who are donating to the temple treasury. For many giving to the temple is seen as giving to God. Jesus sees those who are well-to-do dropping heavy coins, making quite a loud sound, using large coins announces generosity of gift, and a way to impress other people, copper coins clanking in a money chests. Jesus however knows their hearts and knows they are giving what they can easily afford and do so to impress others. When a poor widow approaches Jesus calls over His disciples for a lesson. She drops in two of the smallest coins and Jesus recognizes she is giving more than she can spare, in fact she will have to sacrifice something she needs because of her donation. This widow would be considered an anawim, someone lowly and humble, those poor and afflicted, who find joy in God alone. Though Jesus will soon prophesize the temple’s doom, He is touched by the widow’s love for God shown through her self-sacrifice and belief her gift is for God. 

Jesus challenges us often to remain close to the poor, the anawim, they will show us ways to be lowly and humble of heart. Their love for God is sincere because God is the only One who will take care of them. The poor are blessed by God, they know their entire treasure is not earthly possession but God alone. Many like this widow give all in generosity and love, and become dependent on God to provide their needs, even the next meal. Self-sacrificial giving mimic’s God’s own generosity, He sends all we need, including His Son, so that His creation knows of His great love. Be more generous than you can afford and be like God. 

How do you give? Do you sacrifice in your giving?

Self-sacrificial giving mimic's God's own generosity, He sends all we need, including His Son, so that His creation knows of His great love. Be more generous than you can afford and be like God. Click To Tweet

#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #sacrifice #gift #Mark #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #Matthew #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *