Mark 12:41-44

“Money is in some respects like fire;” once quipped, P. T. Barnum. “It is a very excellent servant, but a terrible master.”

Indeed many have been burned by an inordinate love of money. By their greed. Their selfishness. Their pride. And by their hard-heartedness.

While most preachers don’t relish the idea of talking about money or addressing the issue of giving, the Bible says a good bit about our attitude toward money. And the proper use of money

In today’s text, Jesus is sitting opposite the temple treasury watching what people gave. According to William Barclay the Jews had 13 collection boxes called “The Trumpets,” because they were so shaped. Each had a special purpose to meet various needs. Daily sacrifices. Temple expenses. The purchase of wood or incense to burn sacrifices.

Jesus saw, “many rich people put in large sums.” Then he saw “a poor widow who came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny.” These coins, called a “mite” were the smallest of coins. They weren’t worth much. One writer said it represented 1/32 of a day’s wage.

Yet, note Jesus’ response to the disciples.

“Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For 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.” (Mark 12:43-44)

Consider these lessons.

#1 Jesus sees what we give.

Where we attend, we have a box for the collection. People can make their contribution at any time before, during, or after the service. Some churches use collection envelopes. Most people will fold their money or check, so the amount is not obvious. Giving is an individual decision. Personal. And private.

Yet, Jesus sees. He knows the amount. Nothing is hid from His sight.

#2 Jesus knows our motive in giving.

Apparently, some people in Jesus’ day were giving to receive glory, honor, and praise from others. Jesus likened it to “sounding a trumpet” so everyone would sit up and take notice. He called such folks religious “hypocrites.” And said they had received their reward (Matt. 6:1-4).

Why do we give what we give? What’s our motive? It is for a tax deduction? Is it out of a grudging obligation? Is it to be praised by fellow Christians? Or do we give willingly? Cheerfully? Lovingly?

#3 Giving is not about the amount, but the heart.

As suggested above, motive matters. The Bible teaches that we should give as we have “purposed” in our heart. Giving is more about the state of our attitude and heart, than it is the amount given.

Jesus’ said the rich contributed out of their abundance, but the widow gave out of her poverty. She gave all. While the amount was small, she had a big heart.

What about you and me? Where’s your heart when it comes to giving? Jesus reminds us, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21).

#4 Giving is something we all can do.

Not everyone can preach. Or serve as a Shepherd. Or teach a Bible class. But everyone can give something. Even a small amount. Men, women, rich, poor, young and old alike can all participate in giving.

#5 Giving supports God’s work.

Just like the temple required money to operate and pay for the expenses necessary for its work, the same is true today in the church. Lord’s day giving is not about supporting a human institution, but a God ordained ministry. It takes money for benevolence, evangelistic outreach, preacher support, and just to pay the bills.

#6 Giving may require sacrifice.

In the text, Jesus is not condemning the rich who contributed great sums of money. Nor is he saying that we must empty our bank account every week to please Him. But giving may require occasions of sacrifice. To dig deeper. To give beyond the norm.

Like the widow who put her faith in God to meet her needs, we must trust that the Lord will provide. And believe that God sees and rewards our generosity.

Finally, these two thoughts about money and giving.

“If you’re not generous with a meager income, you will never be generous with abundance,” observed Harold Nye.

Then this challenge by John Wesley. “Make all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman