Mark 12

Scripture

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.”

Observation-What does it say?

Jesus highlights the poor widow’s offering to all the other offerings. Although the amount wasn’t as much as the rich people were putting in, He honored her gift above the other offerings because in faith, she gave everything she had. 

Understanding-What does it mean?

It is not about the amount we have to offer. It is about the heart behind what we are offering. 

God doesn’t judge the outward appearance, He judges the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

The poor widow in Scripture gave in faith, while the rich gave what they were comfortable with or felt safe with. The poor widow who gave in faith is who Jesus pointed out, not the rich, who probably just gave what they could spare.

Life Application

Do not compare the gifts we are able to offer to the Lord with the gifts our neighbor is offering to the Lord. Instead, offer up what He has given us in faith.

The parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 is a great example of this. What I love about that story is that “talents” does not only have to relate to money, but to time, gifts, talents, and abilities as well. God wants us to invest our “talents” for the Kingdom and although each person in the parable were given different amounts of talents, they were judged based on what they did with them. The Master was pleased with the servants who invested the talents He gave them, but was displeased with the servant who hid his out of fear. 

Dear Lord, Your Word says that without faith, it is impossible to please You. I pray that we would live our lives in faith and give of our time, money, ability and talents, investing it in the Kingdom and not bury it in the ground until You return. You have called us to be Your lights in this darkened world and not to hide (Matt. 5:14-16). I pray against pride, fear, complacency and idleness that cause us to want to live life in safety and for ourselves. May You replace that with faith in You and a faith that moves us to action to serve You and others. Amen. 

-Michelle Gaddi