(Study Outline sourced from “The System Bible Study” – “The Book of Life” [Zondervan])
12. Jesus’ Comment On The Widow’s Contribution
As our Lord Jesus sat opposite to the Temple treasury He watched as “Many rich people threw in large amounts.” <Mk.12:41>, while a poor widow put in two small coins that were worth very little in comparison. He then commented to His disciples – “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.” . Our Lord is teaching His disciples what giving back to God of our substance is all about.
It demonstrates our devotion to God – “…in my devotion to…. God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver…over and above everything I have.” .
Unlike the Law, it is a test of our sincerity, willingness and gratitude to God – “…to test the sincerity of your love…. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.” .
It is an act of our love to God who gave His all for us – “Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” < Jn.12:3; see also Lk.6:38; 2 Cor.9:6; Ezra 2:69; Acts 11:29; Prov.3:9; Deut.16:17; Matt.10:8; 2 Cor. 9:7>.
(Continued…..)