This is the third and final lesson in Mike’s series on First Fruits.
Giving is a reflection of one’s heart, whether the gift is pennies or thousands of dollars. As one woman gave just two coins to God, Jesus said, “All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on” (Luke 21:1-4 NIV).
So, the idea of extreme giving has nothing to do with value or quantity, but everything to do with the condition of one’s heart. Our giving is our reflection of God’s character.
In this lesson, Mike looks at three examples of extreme giving in the Scripture, and explores the reasons why people would feel compelled to give more.
While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.
“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
Mark 14:3-9 (NIV)