Two Mites (Mark 12:41-44)

2022-03-23

Giving is a major part of the Christian life, though I make no claim that I serve a generous existence. The New Testament pattern is more of others, less of ourselves. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). “Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:37). “And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need” (Acts 2:45). The Lord Himself left the riches of heaven to be born into an impoverished family.

Somehow, though, we have made the tithe the gold standard of giving, which is not given by any New Testament commandment. To give radically is to be like the poor widow, giving two mites into the Temple treasury. The rich gave huge gifts, but the widow gave far more. “And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing” (Mark 12:42). These were two little coins. Jesus pointed out her gift as superior to the rich men’s gifts:

Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 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. (Mark 12:43-44)

Christian giving is radical. For the widow, her giving was radical because she trusted God with her needs after all her living was gone. This example is given, and to give on this level requires much faith. Lord, increase our faith.