God Takes Note of Our Offerings

Read Mark 12:41–44. Whether we are rich or not rich, what message

can we take from this story? What’s the principle that this teaches

us, and how can we apply it to our own worship experience?

Jesus and His disciples were in the temple courtyard where the

treasury chests were located, and He watched those who were bring-

ing their gifts. He was close enough to see that a widow had given two

copper coins. She had put in all that she had. “But Jesus understood her

motive. She believed the service of the temple to be of God’s appoint-

ment, and she was anxious to do her utmost to sustain it. She did what

she could, and her act was to be a monument to her memory through

all time, and her joy in eternity. Her heart went with her gift; its value

was estimated, not by the worth of the coin, but by the love to God and

the interest in His work that had prompted the deed.”—Ellen G. White,

Counsels on Stewardship, p. 175.

Another very significant point is that this is the only gift Jesus ever

commended—a gift to a church that was just about to reject Him, a

church that greatly deviated from its calling and mission.

Read Acts 10:1–4. Why did a Roman centurion receive a visit from

a heavenly angel? Which of his two actions were noted in heaven?

Apparently, not only are our prayers heard in heaven, but the motive

of our gifts also is noted. The passage notes that Cornelius was a gener-

ous giver. “ ‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’ ”

(Matt. 6:21, NKJV). The heart of Cornelius followed his gifts. He was

ready to learn more about Jesus. Prayer and almsgiving are closely linked

and demonstrate our love to God and our fellow men—the two great

principles of God’s law: “ ‘ “You shall love the Lord your God with all

your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your

mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself ” ’ ” (Luke 10:27, NKJV). The first

is revealed in prayer, the second in almsgiving.