Seen by God

Sunday, December 7

Mark 12:41-44 (NIV)

“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Devotion

One can imagine that on any given day the Temple was a busy place, and this day proved just that, as Scripture says Jesus watched the crowd, or multitude, put their money into the temple treasury. The treasury was in the court of the women. There were a fixed number of places designed with a large open mouth in the shape of a trumpet, for the purpose of receiving gifts and offerings from the people. The money contributed was devoted to the services of the temple, for sacrifices of worship, and to the poor.

Jesus sat down and was observing how the multitude, that is, in what manner and motive the crowd of givers ‘cast their gifts.’

It is significant to note that the story emphasizes that God looks at the heart of the giver, not the size of the offering, of course. By all means, the widow’s act demonstrates immense faith and devotion, and Jesus uses this opportunity to call attention to the character of God, who sees the heart. It is not about the amount of money but the amount of sacrificial surrender. He values generosity of the heart. She gave out of her poverty. It was an act of worship, of devotion, of self-denying love.

But perhaps what is quickly read over is that she is Seen. Jesus sees her. In this busy time of year that often accompanies sorrow and loneliness, it is reassuring to know that He sees us. Each one of us is ‘seen.’ He knows our circumstances, and His attention focuses on the depth of our hearts. He is moved by acts of devotion and of self-sacrifice.

The greatest gift we can give this year is from our poverty, from our hearts. Take time this week to offer up sacrifices of worship to the One who sees us and cares so deeply for us.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I want to thank You for Your loving devotion and faithfulness to me. Not one detail of my life passes before You without You knowing about it. You are the joy of my desire. I just wanted to tell You that today as I remember Your goodness in my life. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

King David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 24:24, said, “Nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” David had a long-standing, intimate relationship with God going back to his shepherding days, and he would not offer Him something that was not a sacrifice for him. Take a step of faith and see if there is something above your normal giving that you can offer to God, even if it is in the form of service to others. Watch what God will do—you cannot outgive Him!

Resources

• Be part of the exciting conclusion of Vision 2025  by joining us this morning at 9 AM and 11 AM (ET) on YouTube, Facebook, or right here on the Free Chapel App.

• Join us today as we step into God’s plan for a greater impact! Consider giving a special gift to help us reach more lives through our upcoming programs and outreach initiatives. Your generosity today plants seeds for a transformed tomorrow! Vision 2025