Mark 12:41-44, Romans 5:6-21
For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on. – Mark 12:44
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+12%3A41-44%3B+Romans+5%3A6-11&version=ESV
Earlier this week, we reflected on the burnt offerings described in Leviticus, that signified a believer’s complete devotion to God. With that understanding of the burnt offerings in mind, we come to our two scripture passages for today.
In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus observes people placing money into the temple offering box. Many rich people gave large amounts. But it was a poor widow who gave only two small copper coins that Jesus praised. He called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
Although her gift seemed small, the poor widow showed a spirit of complete surrender to God, because she gave everything that she had. In contrast, others gave out of their abundance, revealing a lack of true sacrifice. Jesus was not looking at the amount, but at the heart behind the gift. God values a generous and loving heart. A heart that gives not for show, but out of love. True love does not calculate or hold back. It gives everything.
In Romans 5:6-11, we see the ultimate expression of such love. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, gave Himself fully for us willingly and in complete obedience to the Father’s will. He offered His life to save sinners, bore our sins and took the punishment that we deserved on the cross. Because God accepted Jesus Christ’s complete and perfect offering, He now also accepts all who trust in Him. This is the heart of the gospel and the deeper meaning of the burnt offering. It points us to Jesus, who gave everything so that we might live.
Reflection:
Do I give to God and others from a heart of love and devotion, or do I hold back? Am I seeking to impress people, or am I responding humbly and freely to God’s grace? What is one area of my life where I need to stop calculating and start surrendering?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for showing me what true love and devotion looks like. You gave everything for me without holding back. Teach me to love like You do. Give me a heart that gives freely, humbly, and joyfully, not for recognition, but in response to Your grace. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+12%3A41-44%3B+Romans+5%3A6-11&version=ESV
Earlier this week, we reflected on the burnt offerings described in Leviticus, that signified a believer’s complete devotion to God. With that understanding of the burnt offerings in mind, we come to our two scripture passages for today.
In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus observes people placing money into the temple offering box. Many rich people gave large amounts. But it was a poor widow who gave only two small copper coins that Jesus praised. He called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
Although her gift seemed small, the poor widow showed a spirit of complete surrender to God, because she gave everything that she had. In contrast, others gave out of their abundance, revealing a lack of true sacrifice. Jesus was not looking at the amount, but at the heart behind the gift. God values a generous and loving heart. A heart that gives not for show, but out of love. True love does not calculate or hold back. It gives everything.
In Romans 5:6-11, we see the ultimate expression of such love. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, gave Himself fully for us willingly and in complete obedience to the Father’s will. He offered His life to save sinners, bore our sins and took the punishment that we deserved on the cross. Because God accepted Jesus Christ’s complete and perfect offering, He now also accepts all who trust in Him. This is the heart of the gospel and the deeper meaning of the burnt offering. It points us to Jesus, who gave everything so that we might live.
Reflection:
Do I give to God and others from a heart of love and devotion, or do I hold back? Am I seeking to impress people, or am I responding humbly and freely to God’s grace? What is one area of my life where I need to stop calculating and start surrendering?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for showing me what true love and devotion looks like. You gave everything for me without holding back. Teach me to love like You do. Give me a heart that gives freely, humbly, and joyfully, not for recognition, but in response to Your grace. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.