Giving All

Scripture:

Luke 21:3  "I tell you the truth", Jesus said, "This poor widow has given more than all the rest of them.  For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has".

Observation:

It is just before the end of Christ's life on earth.  He is speaking at this point only about very important things.  He stops His procession to the Last Supper to point out a widow woman putting two small coins into a collection box.  He tells those with Him that this woman gave more than anyone because she gave her all, they only gave a little portion of their surplus.

Application:

We need to evaluate our giving, not by what we give, but by how much is left over when we give.  This woman had nothing left and the others, who gave more, went home with plenty in their pockets.  It was not a sacrifice to them.  Giving all, as this woman did, requires extreme faith.  There is no back up plan.  God, at this point, has to provide.  This is faith that stops Jesus and gets His attention.  Rather than thinking how much we can afford to give, we need to think about how much we are walking home with.

Prayer:

Jesus, this woman caught your attention at one of the most stressful and busiest times of your life here on earth.  Teach me to give.  Help me to be quick to release to You and others what You have blessed me with.  You are the best.  Keep me on track and teach me to become a true giver.

Forever,
Jeff