Generosity Welcome… The Widow’s Two Mites Luke 21:1-4 Warfield Blvd. VBS June 8, 2018 Welcome…

Background Parallel accounts: Mk. 12; Lk. 21 Jesus is teaching during his last week before going to the cross Jesus sees closely (“beheld”) something and uses it to teach an important lesson (“Verily I say”)

Background “the treasury” (Gr. γαζοφυλάκιον): money used to support the temple sacrifices and temple upkeep was collected in 13 receptacles (“trumpets”) and placed at various points in “the treasury” (Jn. 8:20) located in the Court of Women

Background

Background

Background “two mites” (Gr. λεπτόν): a small bronze or copper coin (about 1/8 of a cent); two of these equaled a Roman quadran (Mk. 12:42; Gr. κοδράντης), the smallest Roman coin (about 1/64 of a days wage)

Generosity “superfluity” (excess, abundance, surplus) vs. “want” (poverty) Jesus was impressed with her great sacrifice, not the monetary amount of her gift; she gave all from the little she had to live on; theirs was a contribution, hers was a total sacrifice

Generous People in the Bible Who in the Bible was generous? Generous people sacrifice (Lk. 21:4; Jn. 3:16) Generous people give more than they are asked to give and more than the bare minimum (Ex. 36:6-7)

Generous People in the Bible Generous people give themselves before giving money (2 Cor. 8:5) Generous people give more than just their money (Lk. 10:33-35) Generous people give, even when they have been hurt (Gen. 42-45)

Generous People in the Bible Generous people give, even when their gift is small (Jn. 6:9) Generous people help others, even when they differ with them (Lk. 7:5) Generous people give after they are transformed (Lk. 19:8)

Generous People in the Bible Generous people give, even when others have not (Phil. 4:15-16) Generous people give, even when they are not in the forefront (Lk. 8:3) Generous people give, even when it is for strangers (Acts 28:7)

Generous People in the Bible Generous people give in response to a great cause (1 Chron. 29; Mt. 27:60; Ac. 4:37)

Generosity How do we show generosity? Money and physical possessions Time and talents Compassion and forgiveness Self and service

Why Generosity? Why should we be generous? It is a command (1 Tim. 6:18-19) It brings a blessing and reward (Psa. 37:26; Prov. 11:25; 22:9)