Mark 12:41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
Mark 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
Mark 12:43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
Mark 12:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.
Of all the Biblical subjects in sermons and lessons, few topics invoke such feelings like that of money. From Hophni and Phineas until now, money mismanagement has always been present. There are ample examples of hypocrites, liars, and unethical leaders to go around, though none can remove the scriptural command of giving.
Consider the text. Jesus sits in a curious place. I dare say that most congregations would not take kindly if their pastor stared at them as they gave their offerings, but Jesus had no problem watching. Mark 12:41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury.
Jesus took note of who was giving and how much. After all had passed by, He made a statement about the nature of their giving. Jesus was not concerned with the amount. Rather He was speaking about the sacrifice. Jesus said, “most gave from their resources; but the widow gave all.” The amount was inconsequential to the conversation, and that is where most stumble. Some reply, “I have so little, it probably won’t matter.” Let me just say, “It matters to the Master.”
While some have felt satisfied with the amount, and i.e., the numerical value, the Lord is looking at the depth of the sacrifice. Giving from the pool of abundance means that it was given at no cost.
I am aware that this communique will be discarded by the majority of readers. Money, tithes, offerings, and the whole of sacrificial giving is not a welcomed subject. I am the least of pastors, and yet I know that even the great leading pastors have been tuned out when it comes to money. Even still, I am compelled to wage war against the carnal mind which rebuts the Word. Jesus is still watching. He is looking for our commitments and the length we will go for the sake of His Kingdom.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole