Giving faith

Mark 12:41-44 NLT

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. [42] Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. [43] 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. [44] For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on."

What a picture this is, try to make a movie of it in your mind's eye.

There's Jesus sitting down to watch as people come to give their tithes to the Lord in the Temple. His eyes look not on the sum of money, but his "x-ray vision" is penetrating into the heart and soul of each person. He sees each their motive.

Some are making a big show to ensure that people can see just how much they're giving, some are giving with indifference, more out of duty than anything else - Jesus is taking it all in.

Then comes the one that touches Jesus' compassionate, intuitive heart - a poor widow.

In those days, poverty ensued when a husband died (we see this in the book of Ruth when Naomi is widowed). There were no welfare payments or state benefits back then.

Yet this little lady caught the Saviour's piercing gaze - she gave all that she had to live on - which says a lot about her faith.

Had she heard what Jesus had said:

Luke 6:38 NLT

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full-pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back."

It certainly appears that way, otherwise, why would she give away ALL that she had to live on?

Giving with an active faith that God will provide is the kind of giving that Jesus is watching for.

We're not told the "end of the movie" in this account, but the Lord is no one's debtor. We can be confident that this lady was amply rewarded for her offering.

What does Jesus see when I give?

Am I reluctantly "doing God a favour" or am I giving as a "thank you" for all His blessings in my life?

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 NLT

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." [8] And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

Selah