Cost of Commitment

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Mark 12:41–44 KJV 1900

41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

In our text, we find the Lord addressing the test of true giving… Giving was something that was part of not just the religious realm of Israel, giving was something that was a major part of the fabric of their society and the culture of the day.

In our culture - society - charity, giving, generosity, tithing, offerings - are often viewed very skeptically and with reservation.

Charity begins at home

Charity is usually not sacrificial but nominal - left overs

The view of money and resources is based on a secular worldview and not a biblical worldview -

I am the owner - it is for me and my provision, pleasure, position

But in Bible days - especially in Jerusalem - society was guided by a lot of the principle’s taught in scripture

The Sacrifices

The Offering:

many different types...

1. CALL FOR CHARITABLENESS

Mark 12:41 KJV 1900

41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

Within the temple there was the treasury - within this area - there were many different chests fo people to bring their offerings.

It was into these chests that the money was placed - the chests / offering plates if you would

Each chest was for a specific purpose…

Free-will offerings

sin offerings

trespass offerings

Oblations - Alms - Supply of the sacrifices -

Poor / widow’s

Temple tax -

Vow’s -

General Offerings -

13 in all - some say that these chests were in shape of a trumpet - funnel

But regardless - there was a call for all to be charitable and for contributions to be made...

Offerings in the temple

The call for charitableness was the result of the recepticles - the presence of the offering chests - presented the opportunity and the obligation for people to give

2 Corinthians 9:7 KJV 1900

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

a. MAJORITY

12.41. And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury...

12.41. And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury///

The PEOPLE - cast money

b. MANY

Rich - “…and many that were rich cast in much”

In this passage - there is no condemnation of being rich...

There is not a correction or condemnation about those who were rich

God is the owner of all things - and as the owner - he gives to men according to “their several ability” - abilities are learned, abilities are sharpened… God is a good judge of character.

2. CASTING OF CURRENCY

Mark 12:42 KJV 1900

42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

a. MUCH

Mark 12:41 KJV 1900

41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

b. MITES

Mark 12:42 KJV 1900

42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

3. COMMENDATION FOR COMMITMENT

Mark 12:43–44 KJV 1900

43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

mar12.43-44

a. MANNER

Matthew 6:19–21 KJV 1900

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The two mites here were 1/64th of a danarius - or a days wage -

today - $11.00 hour - 8 hours - $88.00 - 1/64th - $1.38

b. MAGNITUDE

It wasn’t about how much was given -

It was about how much was left...

Sometimes people get an attitude that becomes negative -

I can never give enough

Time

Talent

Treasure

The Lord didn’t command the disciples to give 100% of their resources - but he pointed out the heart - the dedication - the commitment of this dear widow woman.

It isn’t that we have to give… we get to give...

stewardship is a vital part of the believers life -

16 / 38 of the parable’s in the NT - were about stewardship - 42

It comes back to if we can’t get our heart right - nothing else will fall into place

Matthew 6:21 KJV 1900

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Mt6.