THE WIDOW’S OFFERING

THE WIDOW’S OFFERING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Mark 12:41-44

Key Verse: “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 12:44)

Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Luke 21:1-4, Proverbs 3:9-10, Malachi 3:10, Philippians 4:18-19

Description: This study reveals that God values sacrificial giving that comes from the heart more than the size of the gift.

INTRODUCTION

In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus observed people as they gave their offerings in the temple. Many rich individuals gave large amounts out of their abundance, but a poor widow came and gave two small coins, an amount considered insignificant by human standards.

However, Jesus called His disciples and highlighted her offering as the greatest. He explained that while others gave from their surplus, the widow gave all she had to live on. Her giving was not measured by quantity but by sacrifice and sincerity.

This passage challenges our understanding of giving. God is not impressed by the size of our offering but by the condition of our hearts. True giving is measured by love, trust, and willingness to sacrifice for God.

1. GOD LOOKS AT THE HEART, NOT THE AMOUNT

God evaluates giving based on the motive behind it.

a) Jesus observed how people gave (Mark 12:41)
Christ paid attention not just to what was given but how it was given, showing that the attitude of the heart matters more than the outward act.

b) Giving must come from sincerity (2 Corinthians 9:7)
God loves a cheerful giver, meaning that giving should be done willingly and joyfully, not out of obligation or pressure.

c) Motive determines value (Proverbs 16:2)
What may seem small externally can be great in God’s eyes if it is done with the right intention.

d) God rewards according to the heart (Matthew 6:4)
When giving is done in sincerity, God sees and rewards openly.

Biblical Example:
Abel’s offering (Genesis 4:4) was accepted because it was given with a right heart.

2. SACRIFICIAL GIVING PLEASES GOD

Giving that costs us something carries great spiritual significance.

a) The widow gave out of her need (Mark 12:44)
She did not give from abundance but from lack, demonstrating deep faith and commitment to God.

b) Sacrifice reflects trust in God (Psalm 20:7)
Giving sacrificially shows reliance on God as the ultimate provider.

c) True giving involves surrender (Romans 12:1)
Offering to God is an act of worship that requires yielding ourselves and our resources.

d) Sacrifice attracts divine attention (1 Kings 17:13-16)
The widow of Zarephath gave her last meal and experienced supernatural provision.

Biblical Example:
David refusing to offer what costs nothing (2 Samuel 24:24) shows the value of sacrificial giving.

3. GIVING DEMONSTRATES FAITH AND DEPENDENCE ON GOD

Our giving reveals what we trust in.

a) The widow trusted God for her future (Mark 12:44)
By giving all she had, she demonstrated confidence that God would sustain her.

b) Giving activates divine provision (Philippians 4:19)
God supplies all needs according to His riches, especially when we give in faith.

c) Faith releases blessings (Luke 6:38)
Giving opens the door for receiving, according to God’s principle of multiplication.

d) Dependence on God strengthens faith (Hebrews 11:6)
Trusting God through giving builds a deeper relationship with Him.

Biblical Example:
The boy who gave his lunch (John 6:9-13) shows how small offerings in faith can produce great miracles.

4. GOD HONOURS AND REWARDS SACRIFICIAL GIVING

God never overlooks genuine sacrifice.

a) Jesus publicly honoured the widow (Mark 12:43)
Her act was recognised and commended by Christ, showing that God notices even the smallest sacrifices.

b) God rewards faithfulness (Hebrews 6:10)
Every act of giving is remembered and rewarded by God.

c) Sacrificial giving leads to abundance (Proverbs 11:25)
Those who give generously will themselves be refreshed and blessed.

d) Giving produces eternal rewards (Matthew 6:20)
Investments in God’s Kingdom result in lasting treasures in heaven.

Biblical Example:
Cornelius’ giving (Acts 10:4) came up as a memorial before God, bringing divine visitation.

CONCLUSION

The widow’s offering teaches us that God values sacrifice, sincerity, and faith in our giving. It is not about how much we give, but how much it costs us and the heart behind it.

As believers, we are called to give in a way that honours God: willingly, sacrificially, and faithfully. When we do, God takes notice and responds with blessings, provision, and eternal rewards.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, give me a heart of sincere and sacrificial giving in Jesus name

2. Father, remove every selfishness from my life in Jesus name

3. Lord, teach me to trust You as my provider in Jesus name

4. Father, help me to give willingly and cheerfully in Jesus name

5. Lord, increase my faith through giving in Jesus name

6. Father, let my giving attract Your favour in Jesus name

7. Lord, help me to honour You with my substance in Jesus name

8. Father, bless the work of my hands so I can give more in Jesus name

9. Lord, let my offerings be acceptable before You in Jesus name

10. Father, make my life a channel of blessing to others in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall walk in the grace of sacrificial giving!

2. Your giving shall attract divine favour!

3. You shall never lack any good thing!

4. God shall honour your sacrifices openly!

5. Your resources shall be multiplied!

6. You shall experience supernatural provision!

7. Your giving shall produce lasting impact!

8. You shall be a blessing to many!

9. Your life shall reflect generosity and abundance!

10. You shall reap bountiful rewards for every seed sown!