In Mark 12:41, Jesus was sitting opposite the treasury and watched how people were putting in their money. He noticed that the rich cast in a lot but that a widow only put in two small coins. The KJV Bible calls the coins mites.
A mite was a coin issued by the Duke of Brabant and the Count of Flanders a few years before the King James translation of the Bible was printed in 1611 and was still in circulation at that time. It was worth half a farthing. In other words, it could be equal to a penny today. It was considered almost worthless.
Although there was no coin at the time of Jesus actually called a mite, He was referring to a lepton (gr.) or a coin of little or no value.
Jesus was a teacher. He used every opportunity to teach His disciples. He knew that they would be entrusted to take the gospel to the world. So, He taught them that the poor widow had put in more that everyone else that had given.
But how could that be? She only gave two small coins and everyone else had given more. How could she be “the big giver” of the group?
Well, here is the answer and it has two parts.
First, she gave out of her need and everyone else gave out of their extra. She gave everything and they gave some. By giving all she had, she was saying that she put God’s kingdom first and her kingdom second. She was more concerned with the house of God having bread than if she had bread. Her heart was seeking first the kingdom of God.
Keep in mind that in Bible times those who had money were commanded to give at the temple and to give to the poor. But on the day that Jesus sat by the treasury, a poor widow was giving everything. Her heart was right before God—no greed, no envy, just the joy of giving.
Secondly, God can transform a small coin into a fortune. He can take a small amount of fish and bread and feed 5,000 men and their families (an estimated 20,000 + people) with food left over. God can take a small seed and move mountains.
God can take your seed and create a bountiful harvest. That is the nature of the One True God we serve. Our God is a good God of multiplication. He gives us the seed to sow and lets us keep the harvest. Then when we give of the harvest, He multiplies again. That’s good news.
For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
(2 Cor. 9:10 NLT)
Remember this—the Bible says in Hebrews 13:8 that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If He watched the treasury yesterday, He is watching it today. If it mattered to Him yesterday, it matters to Him today.
Never allow yourself to think that what you have to give is too small. This is a good deal—exchanging our mite for His might.
Larry Ollison Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.