1. Last week our lesson was based on the information found in Proverbs 3:5-6. a.(vs.6b) Solomon mentioned God's promise to provide direction for His people. b.(vs.5-6a) Solomon pointed out 3 responsibilities that we must fulfill in order for God to direct our paths. c.(vs.5a) The first responsibility is: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart." 2.The widow who gave 2 mites stands out as someone who trusted in the Lord with all her heart. 3.As we examine this woman and her gift, let us look inside ourselves and examine our faith and our love for the Lord.
Discussion:
I.AS VS.41 BEGINS, JESUS WAS SEATED NEAR THE TREASURY
A.According to Mark 11:27, Jesus had gone to the temple earlier, and "the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders" confronted Him. B.These Jewish leaders questioned Jesus about: 1.His authority (11:28-33) 2.paying tribute to Caesar (12:13-17) 3.the resurrection (12:18-27) 4.the greatest commandment (12:28-34). C.Mark 12:35 indicates that Jesus continued teaching in the temple. D.(vs.38-40) Jesus issued a warning about "the scribes" [note especially that they devoured the homes of widows]. E.After these things Jesus was seated near the treasury in the temple.
II.AS VS.41 CONTINUES, JESUS OBSERVED HOW VARIOUS PEOPLE GAVE THEIR GIFTS INTO THE TREASURY
A.We need to keep 2 things in mind. 1.First, when Jesus was near the treasury, Passover was near (Mark 14:1). 2.Second, the Israelites were instructed to give when they observed their 3 great feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16-17). B.While Jesus watched the people giving their gifts, He saw: 1.wealthy people giving much 2.a poor widow give 2 mites (vs.42).
III.AS JESUS SPOKE TO HIS DISCIPLES IN VS.43-44, HE HIGHLY COMMENDED THE WIDOW AND HER GIFT
A.(vs.43) He said that the poor widow put more into the treasury than all the other givers. B.(vs.44) The others gave from their abundance, but the widow gave "all that she had, even all her living." C.Her example should help us appreciate David's statement in 2 Samuel 24:24: "Neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing." D.She made a great sacrifice when she gave her 2 mites because that was all the money she had. E.She also demonstrated her trust in God that He would provide her needs.
IV.APPLICATION
A.Do we trust in the Lord with all our hearts as this widow did? (Proverbs 3:5) B.Do we practice self-denial as she did? (Mark 8:34) C.Do we seek God's kingdom first as she did? (Matthew 6:33) D.Do we practice the principles that relate to Christian giving? 1.2 Corinthians 8:1-5 2.2 Corinthians 8:12 3.2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Conclusion:
1.The Lord saw this widow's gift, and He sees the gifts we present to Him. 2.What do our gifts say about our love for Him and about our trust in Him? 3.Do you suppose the Lord blessed this widow? (2 Corinthians 9:8)