True Generosity: The Widow's Sacrificial Giving
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delve into Mark 12:38-44, where Jesus contrasts the prideful, greedy, and hypocritical scribes with a humble, sacrificial widow. Jesus warns us against the scribes' behavior, who seek recognition and honor but lack genuine generosity. They are full of pride, greed, and hypocrisy, exploiting the vulnerable for personal gain. In stark contrast, Jesus highlights the widow who, despite her poverty, gives everything she has—two small copper coins. This act of sacrificial giving is praised by Jesus as greater than the large sums given by the wealthy, who contribute out of their abundance without any real sacrifice.
Jesus' teaching here is counter-cultural, emphasizing that in God's kingdom, true greatness is found in humility and sacrificial giving. The widow's offering, though small in monetary value, is immense in spiritual significance because it represents total trust and devotion to God. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts and priorities, urging us to put God first in all things, including our finances. True generosity is measured not by the amount given but by the sacrifice it entails. As we continue our 21 days of prayer and fasting, let us focus on who comes first in our lives and strive to be marked by the same sacrificial generosity that Jesus commends.
### Key Takeaways
1. Beware of Pride, Greed, and Hypocrisy: Jesus warns against the behavior of the scribes, who are full of pride, greed, and hypocrisy. They seek recognition and honor but lack genuine generosity. This serves as a reminder that our actions should be motivated by a sincere desire to honor God, not to gain the approval of others. [07:59]
2. True Generosity is Sacrificial: The widow's offering of two small copper coins is praised by Jesus because it represents a true sacrifice. Unlike the wealthy who gave out of their abundance, the widow gave all she had. This teaches us that true generosity is measured by the sacrifice it entails, not the amount given. [22:22]
3. God Sees Our Sacrifice: Jesus' observation of the widow's offering reminds us that God sees our sacrifices. He knows our hearts and values our willingness to give sacrificially. This encourages us to trust that God will honor our sacrifices and provide for our needs. [25:09]
4. Put God First in All Things: The principle of putting God first is emphasized throughout the sermon. Whether in our finances, time, or talents, God should be our highest priority. This aligns with the teaching in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus promises that if we seek God's kingdom first, all our needs will be met. [26:37]
5. Give, Save, and Live: A practical approach to managing our resources is to give first, save second, and live on the rest. This ensures that God is honored with our first fruits, we are prepared for the future, and we live within our means. This principle helps us to experience financial freedom and peace. [29:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:43] - Upcoming Events
[02:25] - 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
[03:14] - Scripture Reading: Mark 12:38-44
[04:52] - Jesus' Warning About the Scribes
[05:44] - Setting the Scene: Holy Week
[06:25] - Counter-Cultural Teaching of Jesus
[07:12] - Don't Be Like the Scribes
[07:59] - Beware of Pride
[10:11] - Beware of Greed
[12:56] - Beware of Hypocrisy
[16:50] - Greater Condemnation for the Scribes
[17:40] - Be Like the Widow
[19:23] - The Widow's Offering
[22:22] - True Generosity is Sacrificial
[25:09] - God Sees Our Sacrifice
[26:37] - Put God First in All Things
[29:09] - Give, Save, and Live
[33:53] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Mark 12:38-44 (ESV)
### Observation Questions
1. What specific behaviors of the scribes does Jesus warn against in Mark 12:38-40? [07:59]
2. How does Jesus describe the widow's offering compared to the contributions of the wealthy in Mark 12:41-44? [22:22]
3. According to the sermon, what does Jesus' observation of the widow's offering teach us about God's view of our sacrifices? [25:09]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the widow's offering as greater than the large sums given by the wealthy? What does this reveal about the nature of true generosity? [22:22]
2. How does the behavior of the scribes, as described by Jesus, reflect pride, greed, and hypocrisy? How can these traits manifest in modern-day contexts? [07:59]
3. In what ways does the principle of putting God first, as highlighted in the sermon, align with the teaching in Matthew 6:33? How does this principle challenge our current priorities? [26:37]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you sought recognition or honor for your actions. How can you shift your motivation to genuinely honor God instead of seeking approval from others? [07:59]
2. The widow gave all she had, demonstrating total trust and devotion to God. What is one area of your life where you can practice sacrificial giving? How can you start this week? [22:22]
3. Jesus sees and values our sacrifices. How does this truth encourage you to trust God with your needs? Can you think of a specific instance where you felt God honored your sacrifice? [25:09]
4. Consider your current financial habits. How can you implement the principle of "Give, Save, and Live" to ensure that God is honored with your first fruits? What changes might you need to make? [29:09]
5. During this period of 21 days of prayer and fasting, what steps can you take to ensure that God remains your highest priority in all aspects of your life, including your time, talents, and finances? [26:37]
6. Identify one practical way you can avoid the pitfalls of pride, greed, and hypocrisy in your daily interactions. How can you hold yourself accountable to this commitment? [07:59]
7. Think of a person or group in your community who might be vulnerable or in need. How can you extend sacrificial generosity to them this week, following the example of the widow? [22:22]
Devotional
### Day 1: Beware of Pride, Greed, and Hypocrisy
Jesus warns us against the behavior of the scribes, who are full of pride, greed, and hypocrisy. They seek recognition and honor but lack genuine generosity. This serves as a reminder that our actions should be motivated by a sincere desire to honor God, not to gain the approval of others. The scribes' behavior is a cautionary tale for us to examine our own hearts and ensure that our motives are pure. We must be vigilant against the temptation to seek validation from others and instead focus on living a life that is pleasing to God.
In our daily lives, it is easy to fall into the trap of wanting to be seen and acknowledged for our good deeds. However, Jesus teaches us that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in humility and sincerity. We are called to serve others selflessly and to give without expecting anything in return. By doing so, we reflect the character of Christ and bring glory to God. [07:59]
Luke 18:10-14 (ESV): "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Reflection: Think about a recent situation where you sought recognition or approval from others. How can you shift your focus to seeking God's approval instead?
### Day 2: True Generosity is Sacrificial
The widow's offering of two small copper coins is praised by Jesus because it represents a true sacrifice. Unlike the wealthy who gave out of their abundance, the widow gave all she had. This teaches us that true generosity is measured by the sacrifice it entails, not the amount given. Jesus' commendation of the widow's offering challenges us to reconsider our own giving. Are we giving out of our surplus, or are we making sacrifices to honor God?
True generosity requires us to trust God with our resources and to prioritize His kingdom above our own comfort. It is an act of faith that demonstrates our reliance on God's provision. As we reflect on the widow's example, let us strive to give in a way that reflects our total devotion to God and our willingness to sacrifice for His purposes. [22:22]
2 Corinthians 8:2-4 (ESV): "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. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you can give sacrificially. What steps can you take today to make a meaningful sacrifice for God's kingdom?
### Day 3: God Sees Our Sacrifice
Jesus' observation of the widow's offering reminds us that God sees our sacrifices. He knows our hearts and values our willingness to give sacrificially. This encourages us to trust that God will honor our sacrifices and provide for our needs. When we give out of a heart of love and devotion, God takes notice and is pleased with our offering.
It is comforting to know that even the smallest acts of sacrifice do not go unnoticed by God. He sees the intentions behind our actions and values our commitment to Him. This should motivate us to continue giving and serving, knowing that our efforts are meaningful and significant in God's eyes. [25:09]
Hebrews 6:10 (ESV): "For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent sacrifice you made for God. How does knowing that God sees and values your sacrifice encourage you to continue giving and serving?
### Day 4: Put God First in All Things
The principle of putting God first is emphasized throughout the sermon. Whether in our finances, time, or talents, God should be our highest priority. This aligns with the teaching in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus promises that if we seek God's kingdom first, all our needs will be met. Putting God first requires intentionality and a commitment to prioritize His will above our own desires.
When we put God first, we demonstrate our trust in His provision and our commitment to His purposes. This involves making choices that reflect our devotion to Him, such as setting aside time for prayer and worship, using our talents to serve others, and managing our finances in a way that honors God. By doing so, we align our lives with God's will and experience the blessings that come from living in obedience to Him. [26:37]
Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV): "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you need to put God first. What practical steps can you take today to prioritize God in that area?
### Day 5: Give, Save, and Live
A practical approach to managing our resources is to give first, save second, and live on the rest. This ensures that God is honored with our first fruits, we are prepared for the future, and we live within our means. This principle helps us to experience financial freedom and peace. By following this approach, we demonstrate our trust in God's provision and our commitment to stewarding our resources wisely.
Giving first honors God and acknowledges that everything we have comes from Him. Saving second prepares us for future needs and emergencies, reflecting wise stewardship. Living on the rest helps us to live within our means and avoid the stress and burden of debt. This balanced approach to resource management allows us to experience the peace and freedom that come from trusting God with our finances. [29:09]
Proverbs 21:20 (ESV): "Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it."
Reflection: Evaluate your current approach to managing your resources. How can you implement the principle of giving first, saving second, and living on the rest in your financial planning?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "It just might change somebody's life forever. We want them to have the chance to say yes to Jesus. And it's going to happen on that day." [02:25] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In God's kingdom, the first will be last, and the last will be first. And he says things like, it's not about how many servants you have. He says, the greatest among you will be your servant. The greatest one among you. He is a servant." [06:25] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God measures our giving by sacrifice. Not by the dollar amount. And the widow's sacrifice was vastly greater. While the amount that she gave was vastly smaller. Just pennies of what she had. The smallest denomination of coins. But it was such a sacrifice. Because it was literally all that she had." [25:09] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus is inviting us into a world, into a kingdom where we don't go first. And that's where you're going to find peace. You're going to find joy in Jesus. You're going to find purpose and meaning. And you may not believe this. But you're even going to find margin." [26:37] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Our money's direction is going to reveal our affection. Where is your money going? What you choose to do with your money, it speaks volumes about who you are and whose you are. So some of us, we've got to make a decision today. We've got to change the order." [33:00] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "Jesus says the rich gave what they would never miss. But this poor widow gave all that she had. And isn't that the key to what Jesus is teaching us today? It's not some riddle. He was just making it abundantly clear. That the rich were doing this giving out of their lust. Loose change. But this lady was giving all the change that she had. She gave everything." [23:08] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The scribes, they are hypocrites to the T. Praying on widows by. Praying for widows. This is hypocritical in the sight of God. They're lining their pockets saying that they would pray for the helpless. And this is a huge warning for people like me. And it's a huge warning for anyone that feels a call to ministry on their life." [15:07] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The call from God to serve him means you come and die. You give him everything that you are, selflessly. You say, Lord, I lay it all at your feet because we've found the true treasure in Jesus. And it's not in the things of this world. It's not in a great name for yourself. In fact, Jesus promised if you come and follow him, people aren't going to love you. He says that they'll hate you because of him." [16:05] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is looking for a sacrifice from the hearts of his people. It's not about how loud you rattle the trumpets of the temple treasury when you put the money in that box. It's about what's coming from your heart. The widow only had two coins. She gave everything." [23:40] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The litmus test, I believe, of our devotion to God is our willingness to put Him first in the area of our money. We've heard the phrase time and time again, you've got to put your money where your mouth is. You've got to be willing to include Him. And to not offer Him your leftovers." [32:14] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?