Luke 21 Coronavirus Series
Notes
Transcript
luke 21
1 He looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins. 3 “I tell you the truth,” He said. “This poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
Sub: Give All You Can
Sub: Give All You Can
Intro: If you had only two weeks to live, how would that affect your perspective on values and priorities? Clearly, everything would change. The value of something would be far more important than its cost. Time would become the most treasured commodity, more precious than all the gold in the world. Temporal matters would fade into the background as eternal matters loomed large. When Jesus entered Jerusalem to the cheers of thronging followers, He had no more than one week to live. After His final theological confrontation with the temple leaders, He had perhaps no more than two or three days. In the final hours of life, Jesus continued to teach in the temple while His enemies plotted His destruction. In the quiet before the storm, Jesus spent every spare moment in His father’s house, praying, observing, and reflecting.
Intro: If you had only two weeks to live, how would that affect your perspective on values and priorities? Clearly, everything would change. The value of something would be far more important than its cost. Time would become the most treasured commodity, more precious than all the gold in the world. Temporal matters would fade into the background as eternal matters loomed large. When Jesus entered Jerusalem to the cheers of thronging followers, He had no more than one week to live. After His final theological confrontation with the temple leaders, He had perhaps no more than two or three days. In the final hours of life, Jesus continued to teach in the temple while His enemies plotted His destruction. In the quiet before the storm, Jesus spent every spare moment in His father’s house, praying, observing, and reflecting.
Luke chose to highlight two themes from the Lord’s last days before the Passover celebration.
Luke chose to highlight two themes from the Lord’s last days before the Passover celebration.
First, Jesus reflected on the issue of values—what the kingdom of God considers precious as compared with the dominion of evil.
First, Jesus reflected on the issue of values—what the kingdom of God considers precious as compared with the dominion of evil.
Second, he spoke of the future of humanity—what will occur once He wins the decisive battle in the war against Satan. As we examine these events, keep three words in the forefront of your mind: “Time is short.”
Second, he spoke of the future of humanity—what will occur once He wins the decisive battle in the war against Satan. As we examine these events, keep three words in the forefront of your mind: “Time is short.”
1. Not A Tithe
1 He looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins. 3 “I tell you the truth,” He said. “This poor widow has put in more than all of them.
1. Not A Tithe
1 He looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins. 3 “I tell you the truth,” He said. “This poor widow has put in more than all of them.
QUESTION—Why were there offering boxes in the Temple? In addition to the tithe, people gave offerings for the support of the Temple and priests. The Treasury in the Temple was used for keeping legal documents, temple wealth, and the collected tithes and gifts, but in Luke the location here requires access by women. Thirteen trumpet-mouthed boxes were placed in the Court of the Women for offerings, and the room or area containing these boxes was apparently known as the Treasury.
QUESTION—Why were there offering boxes in the Temple? In addition to the tithe, people gave offerings for the support of the Temple and priests. The Treasury in the Temple was used for keeping legal documents, temple wealth, and the collected tithes and gifts, but in Luke the location here requires access by women. Thirteen trumpet-mouthed boxes were placed in the Court of the Women for offerings, and the room or area containing these boxes was apparently known as the Treasury.
Temple— Treasury: the treasury (gazophulakion PWS: 4042) was in the court of the women. A section of the court had thirteen trumpet shaped collection boxes. Each box had written on it the purpose for which the offerings were to be used. People simply dropped their offerings into the box of the ministry they wished to support.
2. Not A Tip
2. Not A Tip
1 He looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins. 3 “I tell you the truth,” He said. “This poor widow has put in more than all of them.
1 He looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins. 3 “I tell you the truth,” He said. “This poor widow has put in more than all of them.
The person declared the amount and purpose of the gift to the attending priest and it was therefore easy for Jesus(the Great High Priest) to know the amounts given by the various people [NIGTC].
The person declared the amount and purpose of the gift to the attending priest and it was therefore easy for Jesus(the Great High Priest) to know the amounts given by the various people [NIGTC].
BEYOND CONVENIENCE
BEYOND CONVENIENCE
This widow gave all she had to live on, in contrast to the way most people handle their money. Those who consider giving a certain percentage of their income to be a great accomplishment resemble those who gave out of their wealth. Here in 21:1-2, Jesus was admiring generous and sacrificial giving. Believers should consider increasing their giving—whether of money, time, or talents—to a point beyond convenience, comfort, or safety.
This widow gave all she had to live on, in contrast to the way most people handle their money. Those who consider giving a certain percentage of their income to be a great accomplishment resemble those who gave out of their wealth. Here in 21:1-2, Jesus was admiring generous and sacrificial giving. Believers should consider increasing their giving—whether of money, time, or talents—to a point beyond convenience, comfort, or safety.
3. Not Theatrical
3. Not Theatrical
3 “I tell you the truth,” He said. “This poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
3 “I tell you the truth,” He said. “This poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
Give it all! This all started with Jesus observing the rich people and one poor widow giving in the temple. The widow placed two small coins out of her poverty into the offering. Jesus commends the woman for her generosity toward God. Here’s another scene where Luke uses a marginalized woman to illustrate the greater virtue of the kingdom. It’s no sacrifice to give to God out of your generosity, but our Lord watches this widow with intentionality. He focuses others’ attention on her. She emerges as the hero who gives God her all.
Give it all! This all started with Jesus observing the rich people and one poor widow giving in the temple. The widow placed two small coins out of her poverty into the offering. Jesus commends the woman for her generosity toward God. Here’s another scene where Luke uses a marginalized woman to illustrate the greater virtue of the kingdom. It’s no sacrifice to give to God out of your generosity, but our Lord watches this widow with intentionality. He focuses others’ attention on her. She emerges as the hero who gives God her all.
The offering boxes in the temple had trumpet-like openings into which money was thrown and coins might roll around as they went down, calling attention to large gifts. Jesus knew supernaturally that the two coins were all that the widow possessed.
The offering boxes in the temple had trumpet-like openings into which money was thrown and coins might roll around as they went down, calling attention to large gifts. Jesus knew supernaturally that the two coins were all that the widow possessed.
The rich may be far more impressive. They may contribute larger amounts. They may cause heads to turn with their giant gifts. I am always grateful to large donors for the tangible impact they have in ministry—usually contributing to more than one cause. The point of the Lord’s comment is not to disparage large donors but to honor those who have but a small amount to offer. While the widow gave less in terms of precious metal, she gave out of her need, not her surplus. What the wealthy gave was impressive, but what she gave hurt. As a result, she modeled total commitment, what the Lord wants more than anything.
Sacrifice requires trust in the Lord’s provision, and it can come only from a grateful heart. In the kingdom of God, the value of a gift is not measured in terms of how much is given, but by how much is left over. When rich people give sacrificially, God—who owns everything—doesn’t treasure the gift nearly as much as the heart of the giver.
The rich may be far more impressive. They may contribute larger amounts. They may cause heads to turn with their giant gifts. I am always grateful to large donors for the tangible impact they have in ministry—usually contributing to more than one cause. The point of the Lord’s comment is not to disparage large donors but to honor those who have but a small amount to offer. While the widow gave less in terms of precious metal, she gave out of her need, not her surplus. What the wealthy gave was impressive, but what she gave hurt. As a result, she modeled total commitment, what the Lord wants more than anything.
Sacrifice requires trust in the Lord’s provision, and it can come only from a grateful heart. In the kingdom of God, the value of a gift is not measured in terms of how much is given, but by how much is left over. When rich people give sacrificially, God—who owns everything—doesn’t treasure the gift nearly as much as the heart of the giver.
4. Nothing But Total Trust
4. Nothing But Total Trust
3 “I tell you the truth,” He said. “This poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
3 “I tell you the truth,” He said. “This poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
Randy Alcorn in Money, Possessions, and Eternity meditates on this scene in a convicting way (pp. 6–9). He asks us to consider what our counsel to this woman might have been if she had asked us what she should do with these last two coins. Would we say something like, “The Lord knows these are your last two coins and would understand if you purchased bread instead”? Many of us would. Yet the Lord commends this woman for giving her last in worship to God. Giving all that she had demonstrated her surrender to God. It was an act of great faith. If the Lord had provided those two copper coins then he could provide two thousand or twenty thousand copper coins. The coins were not her salvation; God was. What is always most vital is that we should be given over fully to trusting God himself.
Randy Alcorn in Money, Possessions, and Eternity meditates on this scene in a convicting way (pp. 6–9). He asks us to consider what our counsel to this woman might have been if she had asked us what she should do with these last two coins. Would we say something like, “The Lord knows these are your last two coins and would understand if you purchased bread instead”? Many of us would. Yet the Lord commends this woman for giving her last in worship to God. Giving all that she had demonstrated her surrender to God. It was an act of great faith. If the Lord had provided those two copper coins then he could provide two thousand or twenty thousand copper coins. The coins were not her salvation; God was. What is always most vital is that we should be given over fully to trusting God himself.
This is what the gospel demands. The call of Christ requires us to turn away from the world, from sin, and from our own control to trust solely in him. The gospel calls us to give ourselves over to God, acknowledging that he has purchased our lives with the blood of his Son. Now our lives belong to him, and we live constantly giving ourselves over to him as a lifestyle of faith. If we would follow Jesus, we really must forget everything and everyone else as a source of security and provision. We must forget everything else as a “lord”; Christ alone is Lord. To be ready for his coming, we must belong to Christ. To belong to Christ, we must die to ourselves and submit to him in faith.
This is what the gospel demands. The call of Christ requires us to turn away from the world, from sin, and from our own control to trust solely in him. The gospel calls us to give ourselves over to God, acknowledging that he has purchased our lives with the blood of his Son. Now our lives belong to him, and we live constantly giving ourselves over to him as a lifestyle of faith. If we would follow Jesus, we really must forget everything and everyone else as a source of security and provision. We must forget everything else as a “lord”; Christ alone is Lord. To be ready for his coming, we must belong to Christ. To belong to Christ, we must die to ourselves and submit to him in faith.
LIFE APPLICATION
LIFE APPLICATION
Stewardship
Mark's account says Jesus "beheld", suggesting that He was observing not only what the people gave but how they gave (). It is good to remind oneself that the Master sees all that is done and also sees the heart. He knows the motives that prompt actions: Is it vanity, self-interest, or hypocrisy? or is it love, zeal, and a desire to please Him? For the rich this can be a fearful thought, how they use the wealth God has enabled them to acquire. In contrast, it is a comfort to those who have little to give and wish they could give more. He knows the size of the bank account.
Complete Biblical Library Commentary - Luke.
2. Surplus
21:4. Jesus said in essence that it is not equal giving that counts but what it costs the giver. The rich were able to put in out of their surplus. They gave knowing all their needs were provided for. Even though their gifts were large, it did not affect their lifestyle. The widow on the other hand made herself vulnerable. She gave all she had to live on. She gave out of her need for the daily provision of life. She alone gave in such a way that made her trust God completely for the rest of her needs. We are reminded of the widow who first gave to God's prophet, Elijah, out of her need and poverty. After giving all in an act of faith, God was then able to provide further for her and her son (). Both widows speak to us of what real giving is all about.
Complete Biblical Library Commentary - Luke.
3. Sacrifice
BEYOND CONVENIENCE
BEYOND CONVENIENCE
This widow gave all she had to live on, in contrast to the way most people handle their money. Those who consider giving a certain percentage of their income to be a great accomplishment resemble those who gave out of their wealth. Here in 21:1-2, Jesus was admiring generous and sacrificial giving. Believers should consider increasing their giving—whether of money, time, or talents—to a point beyond convenience, comfort, or safety.
This widow gave all she had to live on, in contrast to the way most people handle their money. Those who consider giving a certain percentage of their income to be a great accomplishment resemble those who gave out of their wealth. Here in 21:1-2, Jesus was admiring generous and sacrificial giving. Believers should consider increasing their giving—whether of money, time, or talents—to a point beyond convenience, comfort, or safety.
4. Serving
Her trust was not in money. Her trust was in God. She literally gave all she had to God. Her spirit was right; it was reaching out to God, saying that all she had belonged to God. Both she and her possessions were the Lord's.
5. Survival
The widow gave sacrificially; she gave "out of her need." She "gave all the living she had." Why? Because she had a need, a great need. She desperately needed food, clothing, and shelter. She was so desperate she seldom knew where her next meal was coming from. The pressure and pain of being destitute and hungry and exposed to the elements was a daily experience for her, and no one cared or helped. But she knew something: God cared. She could trust God, so she took her need and gave it to God. Her need was financial, so she took what money she had and gave it all to God. She simply said, "God, I have need, the need for money. I do not even have enough money to buy food. If I am to eat, you have to provide—somehow, some way. I have worked as hard as I can at the jobs I have been able to find. Here is all I have. Take it; use it in your kingdom. I cast myself upon You. You take care of me." She knew the great principle that God would take care of those who give all they are and have to Him. She knew that if she was to be assured of God's care, she had to give all to God. If she gave all, God would not deny anything to her. He would provide all the necessities of life (). She took her need and all that was involved in it and gave it to God. She sought God to meet her need by giving to God all that she had.
Two needs are present and being met.
1. God's temple (church) had need. The widow, though poor, gave to help the temple carry on the ministry of God.
2. The poor widow had need. She gave believing God would see to it that she had food, clothing, and shelter. And note: God saw her, and although we are not told about how He did it, He took her under His wing and took care of her.
Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - Luke.
Swindoll's Living Insights New Testament Commentary - Luke.
Christ-Centered Exposition - Exalting Jesus in Luke.
Exegetical Summary Series - Exegetical Summary of , An.
Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - Luke.
Life Application Bible Commentary - Luke.