The Mighty Mites
Mark 12:41-44 (NKJV):
Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”
Luke 21:1-4 (AMPC):
Looking up, [Jesus] saw the rich people putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw also a poor widow putting in two mites (copper coins). And He said, Truly I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; For they all gave out of their abundance (their surplus); but she has contributed out of her lack and her want, putting in all that she had on which to live.
Many people today believe that money should not be discussed in church. However, Jesus not only discussed it, but He was watching to see how much each person gave.
It is interesting to note that Jesus was not impressed with the big offerings, but more with the sacrifice involved with each offering. He specifically commended a widow who gave what might have appeared to be a very small amount- so small in fact that it might seemed embarrassing to some. But Jesus pointed out that while the others gave of their surplus, she gave everything she had. Upon giving her offering, she had nothing left on which to live.
How obedient are we to God's instructions involving our money? When He prompts us to give, do we obey? If so, do we do so promptly, cheerfully and willingly?
If God were to tell you to give everything you had, what would your response be? Would you be like the widow and give it all? Or would you give only part, or maybe not at all?
Keep in mind, any time God asks you to give, He has a plan for your betterment. He asked Abraham to give His only son, and when Abraham showed that he was going to obey God completely, God responded by offering His own Son instead. Knowing the compassion that Jesus displayed throughout His ministry, I am sure He made sure that the widow was cared for.
The widow's mites may have seemed small, but they were mighty. Her sacrificial act, and her willingness to give everything to the Lord, is still being discussed in church sermons, Bible studies, and devotional readings today. What will God be saying in future years about your willingness to obey Him in your giving?
Years ago, God challenged me to do the exact opposite in my giving. I had a good job and made good money, and I was a regular tither and giver. I enjoyed putting my envelope in the offering bucket each week. Perhaps I had gotten prideful in my giving. So, for whatever reason, one day the Lord told me to give only ten cents. Yes, just ten cents. Now, let me point out, this was after I had already given my tithe- I was not robbing God. But wait, it gets interesting. In the church we attended, everyone brought their tithes and offerings to the front of the sanctuary where brass buckets were placed on the floor to collect them. Think about that- brass metal buckets. And God would not allow me to put my ten cents in an envelope, so obedience to His instruction meant I had to walk to the front, drop my two nickels in the bucket under the watchful eye of an usher, and return to my seat. I did as I felt the Lord leading me to do. I walked forward and dropped the two nickels into the bucket, hearing the loud clank of my coins against the metal bucket. I walked back to my seat, feeling very humbled. It changed my perspective on giving and made me more grateful that God gives seed to the sower.
Am I telling you to give a ten cent offering? Of course not. I am simply reminding you that Jesus is watching our giving. Records are being kept. And it would be in our best interest to be obedient to whatever He instructs, just as the widow obeyed and gave those two mighty mites.
