Have you ever given your all to something? I mean literally given everything that you had? I think it is one reason so many of us love sports and movies like Rocky or Gladiator. It stirs something deep in our souls when we see someone give all that they have. Sometimes we are longing for the courage to be able to give all that we have! It is a truth that has been wired in us. Let’s see what Jesus has to say about it.

The heading in my Bible for Mark 12:41-44 says, “A Poor Widow Gives All She Has.” Verse 41 tells us that Jesus was watching the crowds as they were putting their money into the temple treasury. Now, this is fascinating to me. Here is why. Do you ever find yourself standing up a little straighter or moving a little crisper when the boss walks in? I can remember as a college athlete, I hate to say it, but the rep was a little cleaner when I knew the coach was watching. (This might be why my career did not last very long.) The passage goes on to tell us that rich people were throwing large amounts of money into the temple treasury. I envision them to be posturing in a way that is revealing how proud they are of their gifts. Mark uses the word “threw” I think for a reason. He is implying that they were wanting to be seen, to be recognized. Then, here comes this poor widow who “puts” in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Let’s see how Jesus reacts.

“Calling his disciples to Him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth, but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.’” Mark 12:43

This should get our attention. It gets mine. You see, Jesus was watching everyone do this, but this poor widow grabbed His attention so much that He called his disciples over to not waste a teachable moment! She put in everything! All she had to live on! Yes, this story and these events involved money. But there is so much more here than coins and offering plates.

This is what it looks like to follow Jesus. It means we go all in. We give all that we have. He becomes the Lord of every area of our life. Why is this so hard? Well, for me it is because it means I have to relinquish control of the outcome. What about for you?

In Revelation 3, Jesus describes what He thinks about half-heartedly following Him.

“I know your deeds, that are neither cold nor hot, I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:15-16.

When the widow came and gave all that she had, Jesus was moved by it! What if we went all in? What if we gave all that we have?? When the day comes, I want to be called faithful. May we go all in for the All in All!

Reflection:

• How often do you give in a way that is sacrificial?
• What is keeping you from going all In when it comes to following Jesus?

Family Application: Mark 12:41-44

• Read Mark 12:41-44 aloud as a family.
• What are some things that you give your all to?
• What are some ways that everyone in your family can begin to give to God sacrificially?
• Pray together as a family.
• Prayer: Lord, help us begin to give sacrificially. Help us recognize the ways that each person in our family can begin to give to you sacrificially. Lord, turn our hearts towards generosity. Help us to recognize that all we have is a gift from you. Amen.