April 26, 2026

An Impressive Gift

Mark 12:41-44

Introduction

We have a few verses here, but there is quite a bit we can learn from them.

I. The Widow (Mark 12:41-42)

The main character of this passage is the widow. That is the focal point that Jesus brings out.

A. Her Problem (widowed)

i. “widow”

In Bible times there was not Social Security… the help for a widow was very meager.
- We find just a few years later in Acts 6, the church was caring for widows!

ii. It would seem she was all alone

B. Her Poverty, poor (all her living was little)

i. “certain poor widow”

Generally, people don’t pay attention to poor people
They are overlooked, ignored, often passed over.
Here Jesus is calling attention to her.
God views people differently.

ii. “two mites, which make a farthing”

Value today??, smallest coins, lowest value.

Matt. 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

Sparrows were common in Israel, and the smallest cheapest of all the offerings that could be offered at the temple.

C. Her Boldness

“many that were rich cast in much”

i. Many dismiss their responsibility to give – other’s have more.

ii. She boldly cast in what she had.

This was bold as others could ridicule what little she had done.

D.

II. The Worth (43-44)

Jesus makes a big deal about the value here given in this text.

A. The Followers - disciples (43)

i. Saved

If you have never trusted Jesus as your personal Saviour, that is the first step!

ii. Those who are following

Jesus takes an interest in teaching those who are following Him!
This wasn’t a lesson for the general public, but rather for His Disciples!
Are you a disciple of Jesus?

B. The Financial

i. Society puts a high priority on riches

1 Timothy 6:9–10 —9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

- Gambling has increased:
  - Ohio’s sports gaming market surpassed $10.3 billion in total wagers in 2025, just two years after sports betting became legal in the state, according to the Ohio Casino Control Commission. That's a 15.6% increase from the previous year, when $8.9 billion was wagered. – Canton Respository – March 19, 2026

Luke 12:15 —15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

- If people saved all the money they bet… they would be rich!

C. The Faith

Most poor people, are looking for a handout, not giving away what they have.

i. She cast in all her living! – everything she had for the day

Hebrews 11:6 — But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

ii. We (every one of us) give of our abundance!

Probably every one of us have abundance of food in our cupboards!
God is not impressed with your bank account, God is not impressed with your house, or car…. God is impressed by your faith!
The Centurion asked for his servant to be healed in Matthew 8

Matthew 8:10 — When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

III. The Watching (Mark 12:41)

This cannot be ignored either. Jesus was watching.

A. Public “beheld” View

i. Behold - To fix the eyes upon; to see with attention; to observe with care.

Jesus was watching attentively the giving of offerings!

Proverbs 5:21 — For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings.

ii. God knows the good you do!

We often look at this verse to motivate people to live right… true
God also sees the good that we do!

B. Praise to the rich

It is often overlooked that those who have money, are often very generous even to the Lord.
A big fuss need not be made over them, but do note, they are generous.