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

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Self-Examination Before Communion'
"So then, you should each examine yourself first, and then eat the bread and drink from the cup. For if you do not recognize the meaning of the Lord's...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 17:3
"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 138:8
"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever — do not abandon the works of your hands."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Alive to Righteousness' (Ga. 2:11-21)
"Dear Father, Help us understand that in Christ we are dead to law; we have been crucified with Christ so that we might live unto you. Let Christ live..."

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!