A Widow's Gift
Scripture Reading — Mark 12:41-44
Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others." Mark 12:43
Who is the most generous giver today? You've likely heard of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who runs the largest foundation in the world. You may also know about the generosity of Warren Buffet, who pledged the largest stock donation ever. Today's major philanthropists are very rich, their names are well known, and most of them are men.
But when Mark writes about giving, he draws our attention to someone who is poor, nameless, and a widow. On her way to the temple treasury she follows some wealthy and seemingly generous people. And guess what? Jesus says she makes the most generous donation! Somehow her gift of two small copper coins is more generous than the gifts of the wealthy.
We don't have to be rich to make a generous donation for the Lord. True giving means more than simply opening our wallet or writing a big check. It's about un?locking our hearts to God first and then fully trusting him in everything, including our financial well-being.
Jesus expects us to be generous when serving him, and he has every right to demand that. Just a few days after he met the widow, Jesus gave up his life--the most generous and loving act in all of history. That's why he re?joiced about the widow's generosity. That's why he calls us to be generous and sacrificial today.
Father, we praise you for your generous gift of salvation through your Son. Give us the generous spirit of that widow as we live out our gratitude to you. Amen.
About the author — Sergei Sosedkin
Sergei Sosedkin is the Russian-language ministry leader for ReFrame Ministries. He is a native of Moscow, Russia. As he oversees the Russian-language ministry, Sosedkin works from our office in Grand Rapids and in various locations in Russia.
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