Sacrificial Giving – Luke 21:1-4

In the Law of Moses it was required that every family tithe, or give 10 percent, of their income to support the Levites who served in the Temple.  But it must be recognized that a tenth of one’s income is a lot bigger gift for some than others.  If we suppose an income of $100,000, a tenth of that is $10,000, leaving $90,000 to live on.  But a person making $10,000 would tithe $1,000, leaving only $9,000 to live on.  Who really gave more?  This is the reality Jesus is speaking to in his observation of the poor widow who gave to the Temple fund.

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”  (Luke 21:1-4 ESV)

When it comes to giving to the Lord…

1) It is not how much money you give that is important as it is how much of your heart you give.

2) It is not as important that the receiver of your funds is in every way perfect as it is that you give to the Lord.

Of course we should seek to give to an entity that is in tune with the Lord and will faithfully, and with integrity, utilize the funds.  But the Lord looks on our heart more than anything else.

3) A tithe or tenth may be too much for some to give and not enough for others.

For further study:  https://askthepastors.wordpress.com/2010/12/11/are-christians-required-to-tithe/