The “Mitey” Widow Mark 12:41-44

The Story Herod’s temple complex had additional courtyards Jesus taught in the “women’s court” Contributions were also made in this area Least valuable coin was a lepta (mite, KJV/ASV) 2 lepta = 1/64 denarius (laborer’s daily wage) 2 lepta = $1 (estimated modern equivalent) First century estimated prices Loaf of bread: 8 lepta ($4) | sparrow: 4 lepta ($2) tunic: 480 lepta ($240) | meat: extremely expensive Widows depended on children and charity Provisions in the Law (Deut. 24) Neglect and problems occurred (Mark 12:38-40; 7:10-13)

Widow’s Zeal for Spiritual Things Temple Center of Jewish religion (I Kings 8) Required money (Exo. 30; Matt 17:24) Widow’s zeal David’s & Jesus’ zeal (Psa. 122:1; 69:9; John 2:17) Our zeal for God’s house today (Eph. 2:19-22) Don’t give God your leftovers (Heb. 10:21-25) Widow’s spiritual focus Earthly treasures don’t last (Matt. 6:19-21) For every sacrifice, greater spiritual gain (Mark 10:28-30) Didn’t use poverty as an excuse (Matt. 25:14-30) She was generous (II Cor. 9:7)

Widow’s Trust in God Requirements for church support (I Tim. 5:3-10) Set her hope on God Assurance for those who trust in God (Psa. 37:25; Heb. 13:5) God values us and preserves our souls (Luke 12:4-7) Don’t trust in money (Luke 12:13-21) Seek spiritual first (Luke 12:22-31; Matt. 6:25-33) Seek the inheritance that never fades (Luke 12:32-34) God rewards the generous (II Cor 9:1-9; Prov. 3:9-10)

The “Mitey” Widow A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins… she put in everything she had Mark 12:44 “Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.” Luke 12:33

The “Mitey” Widow Jesus gave us his life. What do we give him? Our lives (Rom. 12:1) Our financial blessings (II Cor. 9; I Cor. 16:1-2) Our time (Heb. 10:24-25)

The “Mitey” Widow Mark 12:41-44