I did this study in acticipation of starting a “mite” ministry, but instead, I was greatly convicted in the area of stewardship and giving. I pray you find the hope of the Gospel as you read through.
Luke 21:1-4 (ESV)
1 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Verse 1 & 2 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.
Jesus was watching. He watched people give their offerings. Jesus thought it important enough to comment on and draw attention to the act.
Reflection: How does knowing “Jesus watches you when you give” reflect in your giving?
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Verse 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.
Jesus speaks to the sacrificial giving that comes from this widow compared to the selfish giving of the rich.
2 Corinthians 8:2 …for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
Reflection: How is this “sacrificial heart” reflected in your giving?
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Verse 4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
In today’s American-consumer culture, we expect those who live in abundance to give, but we never challenge those who live without to do the same. The Bible, being counter-cultural, disagrees.
Philippians 4:11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
Luke 8:43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. (This woman spent all her money and was still NOT healed…and now in her poverty, she had no where else to go.)
Reflection: Do you trust God to provide, even in poverty?
peacemakingirl
