She Gave All...

She Gave All…

Mark 12:41-44

Introduction:

In this passage, Mark introduces us to a poor widow and the well-to-do crowd of her day.

As Jesus watched, He noticed the trueness of the hearts of the people as they gave their offerings.

Now do not get antsy, because this message is not about tithing…however, every believer must know that tithing is just a natural process for a believer.

A personal side note at this time from me -- You cannot be a true and faithful follower of Jesus and not adhere to the “principles of tithing.”

I have always said, “How can you afford not to tithe?”

Let us move on!

The purpose for the record of this story is to show that “one must be willing to give all to the Lord.”

Not only monetarily speaking, but with our service as well.

You see, Jesus pointed out in our text that it did not matter what the others gave…because they were able to do so, and should have.

The well-to-do or scribes dealt with issues of their own -- they were “ego” driven.

As one commentary stated, “Inwardly they were greedy and insincere. They robbed widows of property and livelihood in order to enrich themselves, pretending the money was for the Lord.”

Nevertheless, the case in point is that this poor widow gave of “all she had.”

She gave all. She jeopardized her livelihood to be obedient to the Lord’s word.

It truly is more of a blessing to give than it is to receive.

Acts 20:35 records the words of Jesus about the matter of giving.

Read with me -- “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” KJV

It is interesting to note that we will not find these words of Jesus in any of the Gospels.

However, they represent much of His teaching.

The Bible does remind us that God loves a cheerful giver.

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 KJV

You know, I do not guess we can really preach this message without some of the “tithing principle” coming through. Can we?

She gave all. What does this imply?

It implies a measure of faith that supersedes the wealth of the others of the story.

Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

In Luke, Jesus said, “Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.” Luke 21: 3-4 KJV

Poverty had affected her life, but she gave all she had.

Oh, do we not see the truth of God’s Word--nothing should stand in our way of giving to the Lord--not even our poverty.

I am reminded yet of another scripture, that says it all -- “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 KJV

Did God let the widow go hungry? Did the widow lose her home? Did the widow get annoying calls from bill collectors?

I do not think so! Why? Because God knew her heart and He blessed her beyond measure.

How do you know He did, Bro. Curt?

Sure, the Bible does not tell us…but I just know that God would reward her for her faithfulness.

Let us go back to the Old Testament for a few moments.

Turn to 1 Kings 17:8ff. (Page 432)

In this story, we find the account of another poor widow and her son.

Destitute of food to the point of starvation, God worked a miracle for a display of faith.

She gave all…her last cup of meal and her last teaspoon of oil in order that God’s prophet might be fed.

The result was remarkable... the barrel never ran empty again nor did the oil run dry.

In an attitude of faith and obedience, she obliged the man of God’s request.

Moreover, in verse 16 we have these words.

“And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which He spake by Elijah.” KJV

You see you cannot out do God!

The widow gave all she had. Did she leave the temple with second thoughts?

Did she think “What have I done? I have given all that I have…there’s nothing left to live on!”

We don’t hear that do we? Why? I know we don’t see it, but faith was the key to her actions. I believe it.