Extended outline
Use this outline for reflection, small-group discussion, or continued study throughout the week.
The Widow's Sacrificial Offering
- She gave everything into the treasury while in poverty
- Jesus observed her heart and recognized her gift as greater than all others
- Her expectation was that God would provide for her again
- Jesus was pleased with her faith and generosity
Contrasting Approaches to Giving and Fundraising
- Some organizations take a year-long fundraising approach
- The church referenced accomplishes fundraising and events in one month
- Different timeframes reflect different understandings of mission and resources
- Taking time to understand the mission may help believers give more thoughtfully
Jesus' Perspective on Giving
- Jesus looks at the heart, not the amount given
- True greatness in giving is measured by sacrifice and faith, not size of gift
- A poor widow's all exceeds the contributions of the wealthy
Reflection and Application
- How does my heart condition affect my giving?
- Am I giving from abundance or from faith?
- What does it mean to trust God after giving sacrificially?
- How can understanding our church's mission deepen our commitment to support it?
Full transcript
English edition
What do they usually take to budget? For one year they fundraise. And how about us? Just in one month we fundraise and we do the event. That's really different. But we could always do that. Anyways, maybe it takes time to understand our mission.
But this poor lady, she gave everything into the treasury, into the offering box, while she was really poor and she had nothing. So she expects God to give her again. She gave all that she had. Jesus, looking at her heart, saw that she put more than anyone else here. Jesus was so happy with that.
Let's pray. Does anybody want to pray today? Daniel, will you pray?
Dear heavenly Father God, thank you for this whole day. Thank you for giving us the time and privilege to be able to have Bible study. Thank you for the word of God. And we pray that the word of God may enter our youth and our hearts. Thank you for the tabernacle fair that is coming to Oklahoma City and also various other places. Pray for all the people who are working at Great Fire. And I pray that you put your faith upon me, everyone on this. Bless us as we continue to work before the fair and false stories in our life. Amen.