Giving Hearts

By Dan Lewis
Posted on March 29, 2005

2/3rds of the teaching that Jesus did was about material possessions or money. If we want to teach people to be like Christ, we must teach them what the Bible says about giving and materialism.

Get in groups of 3 and discuss these verses:
What comes to mind when you think of them?

“He who loves money shall never have enough. The foolishness of thinking that wealth brings happiness! The more you have, the more you spend . . .” Eccl. 5:10-11 (LB)

“Be on your guard against greed in any shape or form. For a man’s real life in no way depends on the number of his possessions.” Luke 12:15 (Ph)

“The rich man thinks of his wealth as an impregnable defense, a high wall of safety. What a dreamer!” Pr. 18:11 (LB)

“Be wise enough not to wear yourself out trying to get rich. Your money can be gone in a flash . . .” Pr. 23:4 (GN)

Get in different groups of 3:
Read Mark 12:41-42
What is Jesus doing in this passage? Who is he watching? What does he see?

Read Mark 12:43-44
Who, according to Jesus, puts the most in the temple treasury? Why?

According to Jesus in verse 44, what’s the difference between how the rich people give and how the poor widow gives?

Why do you suppose Jesus watches people put their money in the offering? (verse 41)

Why does Jesus say the widow put more into the treasury than all the others? Do you agree with him? Why or why not?

If you were to give like the widow, what would that mean for you?

How has your relationship with God impacted the way you spend your money?

What kind of offering do you think God wants from you? Can you think of anything besides money that you could offer to your Rio Link (home church)? What would it mean for you to follow the example of the widow?

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