What Jesus Did : Luke 21:1-4 - More Than the Show Can Display
by Phil Ware
More Than the Show Can Display - Luke 21:1-4
Jesus saw some rich people putting their gifts for God into the temple money box. Then Jesus saw a poor widow. She put two small copper coins into the box. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth. This poor widow gave only two small coins. But she really gave more than all those rich people. The rich people have plenty; they gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor. But she gave all she had. And she needed that money to help her live." (ERV) Full TextKey Thought
If we are not careful, we can easily jump to judgement based on external demonstrations of piety. We can very easily reach the point where we honor those with money because their gifts are large monetarily even though their sacrifices may be small in terms of actual personal sacrifice. God, however, knows our hearts when we give. He knows what we hold back and why. He also knows how much we sacrifice and the attitude which has prompted that sacrifice. All around us are people who are living for the Lord, but who would seldom receive human recognition. Jesus, however, notices. He knows people's hearts as they give. Not one kindness we do in the name of Jesus and for the glory of people and Kingdom will be forgotten. Not one sacrifice for the Savior will go unnoticed. He knows the truth behind our gifts and is blessed when they come from a generous, joyous, and sacrificial heart.
Today's Prayer
Father God, you own everything in the heavens and on the earth; please break me from the sinful habits of greed, worldliness, covetousness, and indiscipline. What your Son has done for me is much greater than any of my fleeting and temporary accomplishments. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's Verses in Context
Then Jesus said, "Why do people say that the Christ is the Son of David ? In the book of Psalms, David himself says: 'The Lord (God) said to my Lord (Christ): Sit by me at my right side, and I will put your enemies under your power. ' David calls the Christ 'Lord.' But the Christ is also the son of David. How can both these things be true?" All the people listened to Jesus. Jesus said to his followers, "Be careful of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around wearing clothes that look important. And they love for people to show respect to them in the market places. They love to get the most important seats in the synagogues. And they love to get the most important seats at the feasts. But they are mean to widows and steal their homes. Then they try to make themselves look good by saying long prayers. God will punish these people very much." Jesus saw some rich people putting their gifts for God into the temple money box. Then Jesus saw a poor widow. She put two small copper coins into the box. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth. This poor widow gave only two small coins. But she really gave more than all those rich people. The rich people have plenty; they gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor. But she gave all she had. And she needed that money to help her live."-- Luke 20:41-21:4 (ERV)
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