InstaStudy

The Widow's Mite: A Study in Devotion and Sacrifice

This study explores the profound lesson of the widow's offering, examining her social standing, the nature of her gift, and the depth of her heart's devotion, revealing principles of true worship and sacrifice.

1. The Setting and the Spectacle

1.1 The Temple Treasury

Verses: Mark 12:41; Luke 21:1
  • Jesus observed people giving their offerings.
  • The treasury was a public place, visible to all.
  • It was a place where outward acts of worship were performed.

1.2 The Rich and Their Gifts

Verses: Mark 12:41; Luke 21:1
  • Many rich people cast in large sums.
  • Their giving was from their abundance.
  • Their offerings were significant in monetary value.

1.3 The Divine Observer

Verses: Mark 12:41-42; Luke 21:1-2
  • Jesus sat and watched, discerning hearts.
  • He sees beyond the outward appearance of giving.
  • His perspective differs from human judgment.

2. The Widow's Circumstance and Courage

2.1 Her Social Status

Verses: Mark 12:42; Luke 21:2
  • Identified as a 'poor widow,' signifying vulnerability.
  • Widows often lacked social and financial support.
  • Her status highlighted her dependence on God.

2.2 The Smallness of Her Gift

Verses: Mark 12:42; Luke 21:2
  • She gave 'two mites,' the smallest Roman coins.
  • This was 'all that she had, even all her living.'
  • Her offering was insignificant by worldly standards.

2.3 Her Act of Faith

Verses: Mark 12:44; Luke 21:4
  • Her giving was an act of complete trust in God's provision.
  • She held nothing back, demonstrating radical devotion.
  • It was a testament to her belief in the one true God's ability to sustain her.

3. The Principle of True Sacrifice

3.1 God's Valuation of Giving

Verses: Mark 12:43-44; Luke 21:3-4
  • Jesus declared her offering greater than all others.
  • Value is measured by sacrifice, not by amount.
  • God looks at the heart and the proportion given.

3.2 Giving from the Heart

Verses: 2 Corinthians 9:7; Proverbs 23:7
  • God loves a cheerful giver, not a grudging one.
  • True giving flows from a heart of love and devotion.
  • Our attitude in giving is paramount to the one God.

3.3 The Example of Christ's Sacrifice

Verses: 2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:5-8
  • Jesus, who is the fullness of the Godhead, gave His all for us.
  • He emptied Himself, becoming obedient unto death.
  • His sacrifice sets the ultimate standard for our devotion.

4. Application for the Believer

4.1 Our Wholehearted Devotion

Verses: Matthew 22:37; Romans 12:1
  • We are called to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
  • Our lives are to be living sacrifices, holy and acceptable.
  • Every aspect of our being should be consecrated to the Lord.

4.2 Trusting in Divine Provision

Verses: Philippians 4:19; Matthew 6:33
  • When we give our all, we demonstrate faith in God's ability to provide.
  • Seek first the kingdom of God, and all needs will be met.
  • The one God is faithful to those who trust Him completely.

4.3 The Call to Radical Giving

Verses: Luke 14:33; Acts 4:32
  • Discipleship often requires letting go of earthly possessions.
  • A spirit of generosity and sharing characterized the early church.
  • Our giving should reflect our understanding of God's ownership over all things.