And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

 Mark 12:41-44

And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 12:41-44.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of two) division (vv43-44):

• The title of the second division per the commentary is "Jesus Knows Why We Give." 
• The commentary for this second division, including a conclusion for this chapter of the commentary covering the entirety of the text vv41-44, extended into another day of my reading and study - hence another post on this text.  Additionally, because money is a very important topic for believers, I did not want to shortcut my study on it. 
• "Giving is an act of worship. In the Word of God, numerous truths are set forth to help us in our understanding of grace giving (what also can be called Christian stewardship)[.]"  These truths posited by the commentary include: "Grace Giving Is Guided by a Proper Perspective (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 3:21-23, 4:1-2, 9:17, Psalms 24:1, 51:10-12, Haggai 2:8, Philippians 4:13, 19, 1 Timothy 5:8, Colossians 3:23-24, Hebrews 11:4)."  This truth and the supporting text is further expanded by sharing that "all that I am belongs to God, all that is belongs to God, God has entrusted His possessions to me, God's possessions entrusted to me have a purpose, and God's assets build and glorify God's kingdom through me."

Core to all of this is how, in light of God's love for us, how He saves us despite our sin, is that we are utterly dependent on God for all things and He is total control.  We must remain humble and allow Him to work through us. More tomorrow on this as the commentary shares two additional truths on money as it wraps this chapter. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who loves, provides, and saves.  Thank You Jesus as You do this and more....I am not deserving as my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.