Pennies to Heaven

November 10, 2024

Read: Mark 12:38-44  

As Jesus taught, he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’ 

Talk:
What did the woman give?
What did Jesus say about the woman’s gift?
If you were to give everything you have, what would it look like?

Why do people give to the church?
What can we give to the church?

We don’t only give money to church, but we give our time and our talents, too.
Can you think of some ways we’ve helped with time or talent? 

Can we give to other people or places like this?
Do we give our all to school? Or our sports team? Or our family?

How do we, as a family, want to give to the church? Or to school? Or to our community?

Finish with Prayer:

God, Thank you for giving us the example of how to give.
Thank you for providing us with: (something God has given you)
God today we thank you for: (something or someone you’re grateful for)
God today we need your help with: (something hard or difficult you need to do)
God today please be with: (someone who may be sick, sad, or hurt)
We ask all this in Jesus’ name.

Amen