Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Listen to the Word

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.”  (Mark 12:43-44)

One day Jesus sat in the temple with his disciples, watching folks give their offerings. A wealthy businessman in a designer suit dropped in a check for $1000, and Jesus yawned. A landowner signed over the deed to a prime piece of real estate, and Jesus drummed his fingers and looked bored. Then a poor widow gave two small copper coins, worth less than a penny, and Jesus stood up and applauded. He made the astounding statement that she had given more than all the others.

How remarkable that the giver that Jesus chooses to hold up for us as an example is a woman who gave a gift that wouldn’t even buy a piece of bubble gum. He brags on her not because she gave the most, but because she gave all. She trusted God enough to take the risk of giving a reckless offering.

Live the Word

Ask God what kind of reckless gift he might want you to give him through your church.