ODJ: radical generosity
September 17, 2011
Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions” (v.43).
READ: Mark 12:41-44
I never cease to be amazed at the people Jesus put forward as role models. He said children were role models for trust (Mark 10:15); He presented a “sinful woman” as a role model for love (Luke 7:47); He no doubt scandalized His Jewish friends when He suggested a pagan soldier was a role model for faith (vv.1-9). So when Jesus gave His followers a role model for generosity, He again chose the unexpected.
After some intense debates with the religious elite, Jesus was resting near the Court of the Women in the Jewish temple. Along the court’s colonnade stood 13 trumpet-shaped collection boxes, into which money was received for the temple’s needs. Jesus watched the rich throwing in their large donations. Then He observed a poor widow dropping in two lepta coins. That’s when He called His disciples together for a lesson.
“I tell you the truth,” He said, “this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions” (Mark 12:43). In literal terms this was incorrect. The lepta was the smallest valued coin of the day, amounting to one-128th of a denarius (a day’s wage). Jesus was clearly calculating value on different terms. Her offering was grand, He said, because while others gave their spare change, she gave “everything she had to live on” (v.44).
What a role model this widow is! How many of us truly give sacrificially—down to the last few cents that we own? Most of the time I hardly miss the money I give to others or place in the offering at church. I resemble the rich people Jesus was watching, not the radically generous widow.
True generosity costs something. It leaves us vulnerable, with arms outstretched to God, who alone can meet our needs. Just like a poor, humble widow. —Sheridan Voysey
When was the last time you gave money so generously that you sacrificed your own wants or needs? What need or cause is God asking you to donate to this week?
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it-
RSS Feed
Related
ODJ: embodied
July 7, 2010 We are many parts of one body (v.5). READ: Romans 12:1-5 While serving as a professor at the University of Washington, sociologist Rodney Stark wrote his influential book, The Rise of Christianity, to answer the riddle of Christianity’s explosive growth during the first 3 centuries. How did this upstart faith, originating in a [...]
ODJ: Visible
April 7, 2012 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone (v.4). READ: John 1:1-14 With steam covering the bathroom mirror the outline of a group of words became apparent. Trying to clear the view so I could finish getting ready for work, I had been initially surprised [...]
ODB: I shall not want
May 22, 2010 READ: James 4:1-10 The world is Mine, and all its fullness. —Psalm 50:12 Before they were a week old, the eaglets were fighting over food. Neither was strong enough to hold up his head for more than a few seconds, so the pair looked like fuzzballs with bobble-heads attached. But whenever the [...]
ODJ: beyond sentimental slogans
August 9, 2010 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them (v.14). READ: Romans 12:14-21 There’s a billboard company in my area that likes to post nice slogans on its signs when it doesn’t have paid clients. “Kyoto—Targets Bring Results” declares one environmentally conscious poster. “Knowledge Speaks but Wisdom Listens” [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米