Spiritual Disciplines | Giving [Pt. 1]

Mark 12:41-44

The widow stands in contrast here to those who give large amounts, but who have vast resource from which to give. The message? God measures giving not by what we give, but rather by what we keep for ourselves; the widow kept nothing.

"In the temple others gave what they could spare, but the poor widow spared nothing"

"This widows selfless act is not showcased primarily for its moral value, exposing the gulf between her humble piety and the pretense of the scribe...rather, she is a model of discipleship" - James R. Edwards

It is also notable that this is the end of Jesus public ministry. What started with 'come, follow me' to the disciples has ended with a this woman giving everything she has - the symbol of an undivided heart.

The final words of this story 'ἔβαλεν ὅλον τὸν βίον αὐτῆς/ ebalen holon ton bion autayse' have a double meaning. She threw in/put in/set down (ebalen) all that she had to live on. But these words can also - more be translated - 'she layed down her whole life'. And that is exactly what this points towards. Placing this story at the end of Jesus ministry, just before he goes to the cross, is not an accident.

As mentioned above, God measures giving not by what we give, but rather by what we keep for ourselves; and Jesus kept nothing back.

One pastor puts it like this:

"I surrender all" is not the gospel. Because I have never fully surrendered all. I still sin. My effort in surrendering all to Jesus is garbage. I need good news. "Christ surrendered all" on the cross for you. That's the gospel. Thats the good news.

Practice

This week we're preparing our hearts for giving. In order to do so, we need to get at least a sense of where our money is going. Sit down and draw up a simple monthly budget:

eg:

Total money in:

Salary 1 - 1000

Salary 2 - 1400

Expenses:

Rent & bills - 950

Food - 250

Giving - 250

Shopping - 100

Saving - 300

Treats - 150

Entertainment - 50

Begin to reflect

- What does how I spend my money say about my life priorities?

- Am I fearful about money? How might God minister to that through His Holy Spirit?