Because Who Doesn’t Love a Little Hypocrisy in Their Inbox? When flashy outfits meet empty gestures… Is there a shortcut to authenticity? Only if you’re willing to dig a little deeper!

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Paid Content Includes:

• Expalantion: Understanding Each Section & Learning from These Verses
• Personal Thoughts: What This Scripture Means for You & How this Scripture speak to your heart?
• Personal Commentary: Deepening Our Walk with God: See how these words draw us closer to God.
• Christian Discipleship: Following Jesus & Let this Scripture guide your steps as you follow Jesus.
• Spiritual Growth: Growing Spiritually & Discover how these verses help you grow in your faith.
• Ask yourself this question: How can you live out this Scripture in your daily life?

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Welcome

Good morning, church family! It’s such a joy to be here with you today. I’m grateful that we can gather as one, leaning into the Word and seeking God’s wisdom for our lives. We’re here to grow, to learn, and to be transformed, not by our own power, but by God’s grace and love. Thank you for being here, for showing up, and for opening your heart to what God wants to share with us today.

Opening Prayer

Let’s begin with a word of prayer. Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts. We thank You for Your Word, which lights our path and fills us with truth. Speak to us through this Scripture, and help us to see Your heart more clearly. Let our hearts be humble, teachable, and ready to respond to what You show us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Introduction to Scripture

Today, we’re looking at a passage from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 12, verses 38 to 44. In this story, Jesus gives us a surprising lesson on giving and humility. He doesn’t focus on big gestures or grand displays. Instead, He shows us the beauty in quiet faithfulness. It’s a story that encourages us to examine our own hearts, to see whether we’re giving from a place of love or simply for appearances.

The Events in Mark 12:38-44

In this passage, Jesus is teaching in the temple courts. He warns His disciples about the teachers of the law, who love attention and seek honor. They wear fancy robes, expect special treatment, and say long prayers to be noticed. But then, Jesus points to someone very different—a poor widow who quietly puts two small coins into the offering box. Jesus tells His disciples that, though her gift seems small, she has given more than anyone else because she gave out of her poverty. She gave all she had. Through this widow, Jesus shows us that God sees the heart behind the gift, not just the gift itself.

Mark 12:38-44 (NIV)

38 As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Intercessory Prayer

Lord, help us to have hearts like the widow in this story. Teach us to give without looking for praise, to serve without seeking rewards, and to love with sincerity. Let our lives reflect Your grace and compassion, even in the smallest acts. Fill us with faith to trust You, to give wholeheartedly, and to honor You above all else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Congregational Prayer Response

Lord, we thank You for seeing us as we are. Help us to give freely, from a heart of love and gratitude. May we be like the widow, willing to offer all we have, trusting that You see our gifts and value our hearts. Amen.

Sermon Title: “Giving from the Heart: The Widow’s Offering”

Section 1: Beware of Appearances (Mark 12:38-40)

Explanation: Jesus warns against the hypocrisy of the religious leaders, who focus on appearances and seek admiration rather than sincere devotion.

Section 2: Observing Generosity (Mark 12:41-42)

Explanation: Jesus watches people giving their offerings and notices a poor widow who contributes only two small coins—yet her act catches His attention.

Section 3: The Heart Behind the Gift (Mark 12:43-44)

Explanation: Jesus reveals that the widow’s small offering is of greater value than the large gifts given by others, as she gave all she had with true sacrifice and faith.

Need Help With Your Sermon?

Paid Content Includes:

• Expalantion: Understanding Each Section & Learning from These Verses
• Personal Thoughts: What This Scripture Means for You & How this Scripture speak to your heart?
• Personal Commentary: Deepening Our Walk with God: See how these words draw us closer to God.
• Christian Discipleship: Following Jesus & Let this Scripture guide your steps as you follow Jesus.
• Spiritual Growth: Growing Spiritually & Discover how these verses help you grow in your faith.
• Ask yourself this question: How can you live out this Scripture in your daily life?

Purchase this Complete Service: Only: $4.99

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