Luke Series The Time Is NowShembull

Radical Faith

Jesus cautions his disciples, and others around him, against using social conventions to puff themselves up. He stands aside in the temple and watches as the rich “toss” their gifts into the offering box. Also among the givers is a poor widow who “put” the few cents she had in the box as well. Her gift captured the Lord’s attention and became a focal point in teaching the disciples an important lesson. Jesus commends her for giving more than the others. 

One could ask, “How could she have given more than the others, when all she placed in the box were a few cents?” Jesus’s answer suggests that giving begins with the posture of our hearts. The offering that the rich gave was not a sacrifice for them; they gave from their excess. Note that they tossed their gifts in, perhaps in a show of arrogance for onlookers to see how much they gave. The widow, on the other hand, being poor, gave out of her meager funds. In humility she put her coins in, perhaps not daring to stand around too long in the presence of those who had so much to give. 

When a person has exhausted most of their resources, it is difficult to release the last of their finances to any cause, no matter how worthy, because their personal need is so great. The widow lost her earthly provider (her husband) and was now a person of extremely limited resources. Yet, her gift displayed a willingness to give to God and to trust God to meet her needs. Jesus seeks men and women who will take their eyes off temporal things and place their trust in him. 

Reflect

When was the last time you stepped out in faith and experienced the joy of believing God, without knowing what the outcome would be? Do you honor God above your own needs? 

Pray

God, help me to trust you beyond what I see with my physical eyes. 

Respond 

Ask God to expose areas where you have trouble trusting him. Then, ask him to give you an opportunity to display a renewed faith. 

Lord, I acknowledge you as my provider. In matters of finances, help me to open my heart to give generously to your work.