Jesus asked his disciples to come to him. He said, “What I’m about to tell you is true. That poor widow has put more into the offering box than all the others. They all gave a lot because they are rich. But she gave even though she is poor. She put in everything she had. She gave all she had to live on.” -- Mark 12:43-44 (English Standard Version)
Lonnie Porter was a janitor for almost all his life at United Theological Seminary. When he wasn't mowing the lawn or washing windows, he was talking with students. His income was small, but his heart was large. Or as he put it, "My mother taught me to do two things: sew and save." So he did. He sewed together a life of service at a seminary, and he saved as much money as he could for that seminary. When he died a few years ago, Lonnie Porter left over $100,000 in his will to the work of the seminary. By action of the trustees, who were moved by this large gift from a small income, United's premier program in African American ministries is now known as the Lonnie Porter Program in African American Ministries, the only known endowed educational program in the church named after a janitor.
Jesus stood across from the Temple Treasury and saw an act of great generosity. While the rich people were giving their “throw-away” money, the widow was giving all she had—100 percent. The widow’s gift—a gift given out of humble gratitude and reverent faithfulness is more profound and valuable than the one given for recognition, prominence or out of excess.
Jesus is teaching his disciples a lesson beyond monetary giving. Jesus is drawing our attention to an example of a Christian steward. The widow understands that everything comes from God. Ultimately, she does not give because she is forced to give. She certainly is not giving to be noticed or rewarded. She does not share her offering because it will lead to prominence in the synagogue. The gift of her last two coins serves as a giving of herself to God. She gives to God something far deeper than money—she gives her whole life, her very being. She trusts God to take care of her as God promised. And I believe she had a sense that God could do something significant with what she had given.
October brings our annual Stewardship drive. It’s our opportunity to give generously to God and to the ministry of growing God’s kingdom through the Good News of Jesus Christ. Your past giving has born a lot of fruit—kids going to camp, mission trips, help for the struggling in our community, bible study, worship…the list is probably bigger than you realize! Your generous giving is an essential element in the fruitful ministry of First Christian Church. May you know God’s love and care as you give yourself fully to God.
