By the Rev. Robert Blezard
Revised Common Lectionary reflection for Proper 27, Year B
November 10, 2024
Key verse: Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.” -Mark 12:43
The nervous couple came to the office to talk about the stewardship appeal. “Pastor,” the husband began, “we would love to donate more to the church, but we just don’t have it.” The wife continued: “We’re barely making our mortgage and car payments as it is.”
The pastor paused, knowing that they lived in an upscale neighborhood, and their SUVs, both fairly new, were top-of-the line. Moreover, both had excellent jobs with employers known for generous salaries. And, finally, their Facebook posts showed that they regularly took pricy family vacations to Disney.
No doubt they were cash poor. The issue was why? And what is the correlation between faith and giving? Where are their priorities?
Present in every congregation, these issues undergird this week’s Lectionary readings in 1 Kings and Mark’s gospel. Involving impoverished widows who nonetheless evidence generosity, the lessons offer plenty of material for an instructive and inspirational sermon about priorities and sacrificial giving.
In 1 Kings, Elijah visits a poor widow during a time of extreme drought. Food is scarce. When Elijah asks for something to eat, he learns that the widow has enough meal and oil to make only a small cake. Despite her need, the widow makes that one cake for Elijah. Because of her generosity, God miraculously provides her with a bottomless jar of meal and jug of oil.
In the Mark story, Jesus is watching people bring their offerings to the temple. Far from a private affair, the process is public and noisy, as the faithful drop coins into a funnel that then deposits them into a chest. Jesus observes that the rich are putting in “large sums” (v. 41).
Along comes a poor widow who deposits two coins worth a penny. Jesus comments that the widow has put in more than the others. “For all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on” (v. 41).
Poor as they were, both widows give sacrificially. For the widow of Zarephath, the sacrifice is literally a matter of life and death, yet she feeds Elijah. God rewards her faith and sacrifice by giving her abundance. The widow’s story reveals a truth that God can – and often does – provide generously to those who give generously. It’s not a sure thing, as a prosperity gospel preachers might suggest, but it happens. For instance, many tithers testify that since they began giving 10 percent or more to the church, inexplicably they have no money worries.
Tithing, like the widows’ offerings, arises from a decision to prioritize giving to God’s ministries. And as the widows, tithers generally make sacrifices to give to give ten percent of their wealth.
We don’t know what happens to the widow in the Mark story after she similarly offers “all she had to live on” (v. 44), but Jesus contrasts her sacrificial giving with that of the rich people who “contributed out of their abundance” (v. 44).
Here are some fruitful questions to explore in a sermon:
If an offering is a sum that the donor can very easily afford, is it sacrificial? What constitutes a sacrificial offering? What is a sacrificial offering in your preaching context?
The widows both give everything they have, though they are extremely poor. What does that reveal about their faith and commitment to God and God’s work? What does it say about their priorities?
What does our giving say about our faith and commitment to God and God’s work? What does it say about our priorities?
The widow in 1 Kings is rewarded for her sacrificial giving. How might God reward us for our generosity? (God’s promise in Malachi 3:1-12 could illustrate the point.)
The rich people in Mark give out of their abundance. Is there anything wrong with that? What would a sacrificial offering look like to them?
In worship
In the Sunday bulletin, include an insert asking congregants to list their top 10 regular monthly expenses, and then their usual monthly offering to church. Include on the insert Malachi 3:10-12. Invite them to pray over their budget and priorities in light of the Malachi passage.
With youth and children
Ask youth what they would buy if they had $100. After hearing their responses, give each a $1 bill and ask them to imagine it’s the only money they have in the world. Ask what they might use it for? Discuss their answers.
Then, tell them the story of the widow in Mark’s lesson, equating her two coins to her last dollar. That she gave to the church. What do they think? Would they do that?
Discuss Jesus’ comment that she gave more than the rich people.
Finally ask them to think about what the widow’s gift says about her faith and commitment. Summarize with an explanation of sacrificial giving and end with a prayer.
Previous reflections for Proper 27, Year B
2018 – The mightyness of mites
2015 – The abundant life
2012 – When less is more
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