Luke
21 – 22
Verse 21:3 & 4 talk about the widow’s mite:
3 I’m
telling you the truth, this poor widow has made a bigger contribution than all
of those rich fellows. 4 They’re just giving from
their surplus, but she is giving from her poverty—she’s giving all she has to
give.
This is often used to guilt people into giving more. I have
heard it more than once from the pulpit used in this manner. It’s never said,
give us all you got, but it is implied. The point is not the giving but the
heart, we are to give and not worry about what it costs us if we have faith God
will provide.
For space reasons I am not going to print out verses 21:16
and 18 and ask about the contradiction. Verse 18 says not a single hair will be
harmed yet we just read in 16 that some may die. That is a problem and I am not
sure I understand why this is the case. Verse 19 also says “by enduring all
these things” tells us that harm may come, but the end ties it up in making
sure we understand that the “no harm” was not for now, but in the afterlife.
Verse 22:22 is one of the most import verses when it comes
to giving:
As it has
been determined, the Son of Man, that first fruit of a new generation
of humanity, must be betrayed, but how pitiful it will be for the
person who betrays Him.
Most versions don’t highlight this but the Voice did. Think
about God asking for our first fruits and the examples He has used over time.
The most difficult one was Abraham being asked to sacrifice his first born son
of Sarah, Isaac. But rarely do we look at God’s own example of giving His first
born, Jesus. This is the ultimate in showing mankind the importance of giving.
The Voice added these words to clarify the meaning of the original text which
is an awesome image for showing us the importance of God’s love and His
directives for our lives.
Verse 22:27 talks about the change in perspective needed to
really follow Jesus:
Who is greater right here as we eat
this meal—those of us who sit at the table, or those who serve us? Doesn’t
everyone normally assume those who are served are greater than those who serve?
But consider My role among you. I have been with you as a servant.
Jesus did not come to rule over us, but to serve us. That is
the way we should all live! Imagine how many marriages would still be whole if
both parties severed one and other first. Imagine how many businesses would be
thriving if the CEO’s served their employees and customers. Imagine how few
“family feuds” there would be if
everyone had a servant mentality. This is the key point of Jesus’ ministry is
to love others first and stop worrying about number 1.
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