Sacrificial Offerings

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on." Mark 12:41-44

How often do we give Jesus what we don’t need, our leftovers? How often have you heard these words on Sunday morning? This scripture was a part of my reading today. Of course the question I had to ask myself when was the last time, if ever have you given Jesus all you had. How many times have I gone to Jesus asking Him for a blessing and waiting in expectation? Too many times to count and once receiving did I give my Savior and provider praise and thanks by giving back to Him all I had? I hate to say, but must keep it real, not often enough and maybe never as a result of answer prayer. I have put my last few dollars in church, and I must be honest and admit there was a time it was a struggle. I had to go over in my mine how I was going to get money to do what I needed to survive for the week. As I ponder this every time I have needed money to make ends meet Jesus came through. How easy it is to talk faith, it is much harder to live faith. In spite of this weakness, Jesus has shown me over and over He will provide, He is able to make a way out on no way, because He is the way. This widow woman I believe learn this lesson early. She was most likely alone and had very limited if any resources. Yet she stepped out in faith and trusted God to supply her needs. She puts me to shame as she so wonderfully remind me faith is a matter of unconditional trust, trust in a God who loves me and care for me more than the birds of the air yet He cares for them therefore He will certainly care for me. Today I give thanks because I have grown and know that I don’t have to worry because God knows and will provide for my every need. I give thanks because I know the same God the poor widow woman knew and put her trust. He has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today and shall be tomorrow. The other side of the coin is this scripture does not just apply to money. It applies to all things; our time, our resources, our ministries, our days, our focus, material possessions. Everything we have belongs to God how hard is it for you to return it to Him in thanks and praise and love? Does Jesus wait in expectation for you to give Him your all, your everything, your last? What are some of the lasts you have given to Christ? Are you giving Jesus your leftovers?

Please share your thoughts on the "Poor Widow Woman" and giving your last to Christ.


Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. Matthew 2:11

Praying the Scriptures

Father to your Holy name I give praise. I thank you Lord that with faith the size of a mustard seed I can move mountains. I thank you Lord thy God that because of Christ Jesus we are your righteousness and the righteous lives by faith. Father help me to be like the poor widow woman always willing to give you my last and my best. Help me to worship you with my gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. In Jesus precious and lovingly name. Romans 1:17, Mark 12:41-44, Matthew 2:11, 17:20