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

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Sorrow to the Spirit?' (Ep. 4:30)
"And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'True Healing'
"Dear Friend, To be My disciple means that you are committed to following in My footsteps. You come to Me, recognizing your need for healing grace..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
James 1:2-3
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 8:13
"To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."

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!