The document summarizes a biblical story about a poor widow who donated two small coins to the temple treasury. It discusses how Jesus observed the donations and was interested in what people gave because it revealed their character and level of sacrifice. While others gave generously from their abundance, the widow gave everything she had out of her poverty, revealing her greatest love and fidelity to God. The document encourages readers that even small gifts given sacrificially are approved by Christ and put all people on equal footing regardless of wealth.

1. _____________________________________ The Widow’s Gifts ________________________________________________ Text: “There came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing” (Mark 12:42). ________________________________________________ Introduction: The account of the widow bringing her offering is one of the most beautiful scenes in the life of Jesus. Two things stand out in this picture: The Lord and the treasury. Christ was watching the proceedings with genuine interest as the collection was being taken.

2. As Lord of the treasury, Christ was interested: “He sat over against the treasury.” Why was Jesus interested in the people’s gifts? A. Money placed therein was a recognition of God’s ownership and of people’s stewardship. B. Humanly speaking, money is the means by which the kingdom of God is to go forward C. Money is pent-up power or force. It can be used to blight or to bless D. What we do with our money is an index to our character.

3. Some are pleasure seekers. Some are power seekers. Some invest in God’s work and reveal that their heart belongs to God. The offering plate becomes a throne before which our character is tested. We judge ourselves, and the Christ also judges us. He sees what we give, and we win his approval or his dis- approval. II. Jesus saw several things as he sat by the treasury. He saw much that was commendable. The rich and the poor alike were present. The rich men were present, and they were liberal in their gifts. There was one poor giver present who did not cast in much. 1. She was a poor widow 2. She had suffered. 3.She knew the pinch of poverty

4. 4. She had no fear of her home being burglarized. 5. From a human point of view, her future was very uncertain. III. The Language of the treasury: “Money talks.” A. The two mites spoke of a Greater Love. 1. The widow did not give because she was seeking applause. 2. The widow did not give because she could afford to be generous. Love was her compelling motive. “Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not Love, it profiteth me nothing” (1.Co.13.3). B. The two mites spoke of greater sacrifice. The others gave out of their abundance, while the widow gave out of her poverty. What would be your reaction if you had a rich uncle and he sent you a gift – a sixty-cent candy bar?

5. C. The two mites spoke of greater fidelity to God. 1. Faithful in material things. 2. Faithful in Spiritual things. IV. Lessons for the present that bring encouragement. A. This incident puts the very poorest of us on an equal footing with the richest. B. This incident reveals that the very smallest gifts, if they are our best, win the approval of Christ. Conclusion: How great is your love for God? Your love for your church Your love for a lost world? How great is your willingness to Sacrifice that others might come to know of the love, mercy And grace of God? The measure of our sacrifice is the mea- Sure of our love and fidelity.

6. WELCOME GWU-SPRINGVALE SUNDAY- MARCH 14, 2010 “He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God, he is my mighty rock, my refuge.” Psalm 62:6-7