What Jesus Did! 'More Than All the Rest' — Mark 12:41-44

Friday, September 13, 2024

Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on."

— Mark 12:41-44 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus sees into the hearts of people and knows their situations. He sees through the facades. That's why he will do the judging. [1] On the surface, the rich who give large amounts of money as their offerings appear to be making huge gifts. Their gifts can sometimes gain them notoriety and applause. However, the folks who give small amounts may actually be giving a lot more because they sacrifice so much more to give the smaller amount. God doesn't judge the gift by its size, but by its sincerity and generosity of heart.

[1] 2 Corinthians 5:10.

Today's Prayer

O Father in heaven, you have graciously given me everything in Jesus. Please help me as I seek to be a responsible and generous steward of the gracious gifts you have lavished upon me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

More Than Any Other
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"A poor widow dropped in two small coins, worth less than a cent. He called his disciples and said to them, "I can guarantee this truth: This poor..."
A Story That Must Be Told!
Article by Phil Ware
Regardless of our reasons in the past, let’s make sure we honor the Lord’s wishes in this circumstance and others like it. Phil Ware continues his series of messages of how Jesus values women, focusing this week on the loving and extravagant gift of the unnamed woman who broke her alabaster jar and anointed Jesus with expensive perfume.

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 12:41-44 NLT — "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, September 13, 2024

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Romans 14:4
"Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Sweet Reassurance' (Re. 14:13)
"Then I [John] heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.'" "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Some ACT Religious But Reject God’s Power'
"They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray....."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Interrupted by the Praise' (2 Ch. 5:13-14)
"The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!