Daily Devotion for December 27, 2023

 

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Mark 12:41-44.

We can visualize what is happening in these verses. (Where do you find yourself in this story?) And it is written in such a way that even children can understand and are open to what Jesus is teaching here. It is interesting though, that these verses are right after Jesus’ teachings in verses 38-40 to be wary of the teachers of the law (scribes) in the temple. They value their own importance and Jesus says, “they devour the widows' houses.” The widow’s offering is a lesson which children can understand and yet the leaders and disciples struggled to comprehend.

First, and foremost, the widow gave all that she had. She sacrificed completely and she gave all that she had which were two copper coins, with the explanation that they are worth a fraction of a penny. This sentence alone reminds us of the role and status in biblical times of one whose husband had died; no rights, ownership of anything, insurance or inheritance.

Jesus surprised the disciples and the others listening by turning the valuing system all around! He said, “...this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” We need to listen deeply to Jesus’ words in our day as well. How do we measure value and what is greatest in the kingdom of God?

Two weeks ago, our devotions helped us examine our motives behind our actions of service unto God. Earlier in Mark 12, some of the leaders of the temple had been sent to Jesus to ask him questions to trap Jesus. Their motives were not pure and upright. But the motives of this widow were from her heart in her love and trust of God and in her willingness to sacrifice. Even though in the eyes of others, it was very little, she truly gave her all. She gave from a genuine heart. This ties in back to verses 29-31, of the greatest commandment...”to love with all your heart.”

Some commentaries say that the widow’s story can be read as an anticipation of Jesus’ own sacrifice of his life. God’s love for the people of the world comes from God’s own heart of sacrificial love.

Personal Worship Option:

As we continue in the Christmas Season, let us re-examine our hearts, our motives and our own valuing system for giving our whole hearts to Christ. Let Christina Georgina Rossetti’s words from 1905 inspire us.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

If I were a wise man, I would do my part;

Yet what can I give Him?

Give Him my heart.