Sermon Outline Mar 9, 2008 Morning Service

Topic: The Poor Widow                                   

Text:  Mark 12:41-44     

Introduction

I.        Today we are looking at one of the most notable women in the Bible.

A.       We don’t know her background or even her name.

B.       We’re simply made aware that she was a widow.

C.      A widow would typically live in poverty and that is obviously her plight.

II.       She is to be considered one of the most admirable people of scripture.

A.       Other things she may or may not have done are completely unknown.

B.       These few words are all we’re told about her.

C.      But in the little we are told we can learn so much.

Text

I.        The scene is Jerusalem the week of the crucifixion.

II.       From the court of the Gentiles where He conducted His public teaching, Jesus entered the court of the women.

A.       Against the wall of this court were 13 trumpet-shaped collection receptacles for receiving freewill offerings and contributions.

B.       From a vantage point opposite one of these receptacles Jesus was observing how the Passover crowd was putting their money into the temple treasury.

C.      In contrast with many wealthy people who gave large amounts one unnamed poor widow gave two lepta.

III.      While Jesus watched this woman put some money in the charity receptacle, He called His disciples over and spoke to them.

A.       He offered her high praise (Mark 12:43-44 (look at the NIV)).

B.       The others gave out of their material wealth at little cost to them, but the widow out of her poverty gave everything.

C.      Proportionally, this widow had given the most—all she had to live on.

D.      Jesus used her example to teach His disciples the value God places on wholehearted commitment.

IV.      This passage could speak to us in several ways.

A.       We could talk about money and how important it is to give, but we aren’t because that isn’t the primary lesson she teaches us.

B.       We could talk about charity and helping others, but we aren’t because that isn’t the primary lesson she teaches us.

C.      We could talk about Jesus continuing to teach His disciples, but we aren’t because that isn’t the primary lesson she teaches us.

V.       Rather, we are going to talk about Jesus looking right through the flesh of this woman and He looked at her heart.

A.       She was committed to God.

B.       The money she put in the plate was evident of that.

Conclusion

I.        How committed are you to God?

A.       Does your offering show it; you know it does.

B.       Do your actions show it; you know they do.

C.      Does your heart show it; you know it does.

II.       How committed are you to God?

III.      No matter where we are, Jesus is standing there observing us.