Mark 12:43 - He called his disciples to himself, and said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury,
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What does "Mark 12:43" mean?
This verse from Mark 12:43 is part of the larger story of the widow's offering (Mark 12:41-44). To understand it fully, let's break it down:
Context: Jesus is in the temple, observing people putting money into the treasury (offering box). Many rich people were giving large sums.
The Widow: A poor widow comes and puts in two small copper coins, worth very little.
Jesus' Observation: Jesus calls his disciples over and makes a significant observation.
"Most certainly I tell you": This phrase (often translated as "Truly I say to you" or "Verily I say to you") emphasizes the importance of what Jesus is about to say. He wants his disciples to pay close attention.
"this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury": This is the key statement. It seems paradoxical, since the rich gave much larger amounts.
Meaning:
Jesus isn't simply counting the monetary value. He's highlighting the spirit of the giving. He is saying that the value of a gift is not always the amount but the sacrifice.
Here's what it means the widow gave more:
1. Proportion of Wealth: The rich gave out of their abundance; they had plenty left over. The widow gave everything she had, "all that she had to live on" (Mark 12:44). Her offering represented a significant sacrifice; she deprived herself.
2. Trust in God: Giving everything showed immense faith and trust in God's provision. She wasn't holding anything back for herself, believing that God would take care of her. The rich may have been giving to impress others or fulfill a religious obligation, without demonstrating true dependence on God.
3. Genuine Generosity: The widow gave out of a genuine desire to honor God, without any ulterior motives of seeking praise or recognition. Her act was a pure expression of devotion.
In essence, Jesus is teaching that:
God values the heart and the motive behind the gift more than the amount.
True generosity involves sacrifice, not just giving from excess.
Faithful giving demonstrates trust in God's provision.
The widow's offering serves as a powerful example of selfless giving and challenges us to examine our own motives and attitudes when we give. It's not about the size of the donation, but the size of the sacrifice and the love behind it.
Mark 12:43 - He called his disciples to himself, and said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury,
What does "Mark 12:43" mean?
This verse from Mark 12:43 is part of the larger story of the widow's offering (Mark 12:41-44). To understand it fully, let's break it down:
Context: Jesus is in the temple, observing people putting money into the treasury (offering box). Many rich people were giving large sums.
The Widow: A poor widow comes and puts in two small copper coins, worth very little.
Jesus' Observation: Jesus calls his disciples over and makes a significant observation.
"Most certainly I tell you": This phrase (often translated as "Truly I say to you" or "Verily I say to you") emphasizes the importance of what Jesus is about to say. He wants his disciples to pay close attention.
"this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury": This is the key statement. It seems paradoxical, since the rich gave much larger amounts.
Meaning:
Jesus isn't simply counting the monetary value. He's highlighting the spirit of the giving. He is saying that the value of a gift is not always the amount but the sacrifice.
Here's what it means the widow gave more:
1. Proportion of Wealth: The rich gave out of their abundance; they had plenty left over. The widow gave everything she had, "all that she had to live on" (Mark 12:44). Her offering represented a significant sacrifice; she deprived herself.
2. Trust in God: Giving everything showed immense faith and trust in God's provision. She wasn't holding anything back for herself, believing that God would take care of her. The rich may have been giving to impress others or fulfill a religious obligation, without demonstrating true dependence on God.
3. Genuine Generosity: The widow gave out of a genuine desire to honor God, without any ulterior motives of seeking praise or recognition. Her act was a pure expression of devotion.
In essence, Jesus is teaching that:
God values the heart and the motive behind the gift more than the amount.
True generosity involves sacrifice, not just giving from excess.
Faithful giving demonstrates trust in God's provision.
The widow's offering serves as a powerful example of selfless giving and challenges us to examine our own motives and attitudes when we give. It's not about the size of the donation, but the size of the sacrifice and the love behind it.