What the Widow Knew

            This Sunday (November 22nd) I will conclude my three-sermon series on gratitude. In this final sermon, I will focus on the importance of giving back to God out of gratitude.  The story of the “Widow’s Offering” in Mark 12: 41-44 will form my foundational scriptural text.  

            In this story, Jesus and his disciples visit the great Temple in Jerusalem.  In the Temple, they go to the “Court of the Women” where the Temple treasury is located.  It is at the Treasury that people stop to make their financial offerings to God by dropping their money in one of 13 treasury chests, called Shofars.  

            Jesus and his disciples sit down, across from where the Shofar-chests are located.  This was usually a good place for people watching.  Frequently, rich members of society would deposit large sums of money.  However, as the various people came and deposited their offerings, a poor widow meekly crept up to the treasury and deposited two small copper coins, which together were worth about one penny.  Two such coins were practically worthless in the economy.

            However, Jesus turns to his disciples and says, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.”

            We can imagine that Jesus’ disciples were initially perplexed by his observation.  Surely, Jesus had witnessed the vast sums of money which the wealthy had placed in the treasury.

            Jesus responds by observing, “For all of them [the rich] have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

            When we reflect for a moment, there are really just four reasons that persons contribute to charitable organizations, such as religious institutions:

1.      Out of a sense of duty, obligation, or guilt.

2.      To honor or glorify themselves or another person.

3.      Out of a sense of gratitude

4.      Because they believe that their gift will make a difference

Obviously, it is better and more desirable to give out of a sense of gratitude—or, because we believe that our gift will make a real difference improving the condition of the world.

Come, join us this Sunday, November 22nd, as we explore the relationship between gratitude and giving back to God.  Christ United Methodist Church is located at 4530 A Street in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Our classic worship services are at 8:30 and 11:00 on Sunday mornings. 

Everyone is welcome and accepted because God loves us all.