A Sincere Offering

A Sincere Offering

Main Text: Mark 12:41–44 – The Widow’s Offering

Introduction

We live in a world where value is often measured by quantity — how much we give, how much we do, how much we own. But God’s kingdom operates on a different principle. Today, we will explore what it means to bring a sincere offering before the Lord — not one measured by size, but by heart.

1. God Sees the Heart, Not Just the Hands

"Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts." – Mark 12:41

People were giving visibly and generously. Yet Jesus wasn’t impressed by the quantity. He was watching the heart behind the offering.

✔️ Insight: God is not looking for show — He is looking for sincerity, devotion, and trust.

2. The Power of Little in the Hands of the Faithful

"But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents." – Mark 12:42

To the world, it was nothing. But to God, it was everything.

✔️ Principle: It’s not about what you give, but how you give.
The widow gave all she had, while others gave from their abundance.

3. A Sincere Offering is Costly, But Willing

"Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others." – Mark 12:43

A sincere offering is not the leftovers of life. It is the firstfruits, the best, the sacrificial portion. It costs something — time, comfort, convenience, even reputation — but it is given with joy.

✔️ Illustration: Think of Mary with the alabaster jar (Mark 14:3–9). Her worship was costly, but Jesus said, "She has done a beautiful thing to me."

4. What Are We Offering Today?

"They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything — all she had to live on." – Mark 12:44

Let’s reflect:

  • Are we giving God our leftovers or our first love?

  • Are our offerings of time, service, finance, and worship done sincerely or out of obligation?

  • Are we more concerned with how we appear to others, or how faithful we are before God?

Application: How to Bring a Sincere Offering

  1. Examine your motives – Are you giving to be seen, or to honor God?

  2. Offer what you have – God never asks for what you don’t have.

  3. Give joyfully – 2 Corinthians 9:7: "God loves a cheerful giver."

  4. Live a life of offering – Romans 12:1: "Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice…"

Conclusion: Heaven Sees What Man Overlooks

The world honors the biggest gifts and loudest voices, but heaven treasures the quiet, hidden offerings of love, obedience, and faith.

🕊️ The widow's two coins still preach today — not because of their worth, but because of her heart.

Today, let’s not just bring offerings with our hands. Let’s bring them with our hearts.

Closing Prayer:

"Lord, teach us to give sincerely. Whether it is our time, our talents, our finances, or our very lives — may we offer them to You not to impress others but to honor You. Let our lives be a sweet aroma, a sincere offering to the One who gave everything for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen."


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