I was sitting in my chair, reading Mark 12. As I read a familiar passage, the Lord spoke to my heart and said, “Sometimes, the sacrifice speaks louder than the size of the gift.”
Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. 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. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-45
We are all familiar with this passage of scripture. I have heard it taught more ways than I can count. Just for a moment, let’s look at it with new eyes.
Let’s imagine this scenario for a moment.
Imagine the following scenario: You are in a beautifully adorned church, filled with a sense of serenity and the presence of God, Himself. As you approach the front to make your offering, you notice Jesus seated on a pew, holding the offering plate with grace and compassion. His gaze is unwavering, gently observing each person’s actions. It feels as though His divine presence pierces through any attempts to conceal the true heart of the giver. It wouldn’t help to fold the check, He sees everything.
Knowing that He is observing, many people give their most extensive offering ever. However, their largest offering doesn’t truly cost them anything and is not a sacrifice at all. Jesus is unimpressed.
As an elderly woman dropped in some change, Jesus turned His head to look at her with pure love. Then, addressing the crowd, He said, “I tell you the truth, this woman has made the greatest sacrificial offering today.”
The seemingly small offering of this elderly woman commanded the attention of the King of Kings. Why? What made it different from the other, larger offerings?
Here’s what; He knew the depths of the sacrifice she had just made.
As a minister, I frequently hear people express their intention to donate to a ministry when they come into a certain amount of money or when a specific event occurs. While I appreciate their sentiment, I am also aware that these individuals are unlikely to follow through with this desire.
The truth is, if we don’t give from our lack, we will not give from our abundance.
Giving is not a money issue; it is a heart issue.
If we have a giving heart, we will give our last dime should the Lord require it.
I know I have shared this story before, but it bears repeating.
Years ago, a partner began to send us change. It was taped to paper, just a few coins. I prayed over those coins and blessed them each time, as I do all offerings. After a while, the partner would send in a dollar bill. Year after year, the amount grew. This person is still a partner; they no longer send coins or dollars, but a sizable check each month.
What happened? God saw their giving and the sacrifice of their giving. He blessed the seed and brought the increase.
Remember this: God entrusts seeds to one person, the sower. If you withhold your seed when you have little, you probably won’t give when you have much.
Jesus said in Matthew 25:23, His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.
When the woman made her offering that day, Jesus perceived her unwavering faithfulness. He saw a heart that was devoted to giving to the Lord, even in challenging circumstances.
No matter the amount, whether it’s a dollar or thousands of dollars if it is given as a sacrificial offering, it captures Jesus’s attention and heart. For one person, a small amount of change or one single dollar may be a sacrifice, just like it was with our partner. On the other hand, for others, a sacrificial offering may exceed $25,000.
Jesus said the sacrifice speaks louder than the size of the gift.
This month, as we present our sacrificial offerings, may they resound with faithfulness. May they not only capture Jesus’s attention and heart but also be a source of joy to Him. God help us to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord in every aspect, including our offerings.
