MARK 12:43,44
43And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
When this Gospel account was written, people only used coins.
Based on the noise these coins made as they fell into the offering box, people could tell how much was given. The more noise, the bigger the offering. In this story, Jesus called the attention of His disciples and pointed out that the poor woman who gave little in fact put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. This tells us that whenever we give, Jesus looks at our hearts, not the amount of our offering and how much noise it makes. Here are two things we can learn from the story of the poor widow.
APPLICATION
• As believers, God is calling us to trust Him with our finances. How can you exercise your faith in this area?
• Why do you think Jesus sat at the temple watching people as they gave? What do you think He would say about you, if you were there too? How does knowing that God looks at your heart when you give change your attitude toward giving? How will it affect the way you give?
• Think of people you know who are experiencing financial difficulties this season. Ask God for ways you can encourage them to trust Him and act in faith.