Luke 21:1-4

Luke 21:1-4

1. We learn how keenly our Lord Jesus Christ observes the things that are done upon earth.
2. We learn who they are whom Christ reckons most liberal in giving money to religious purposes.
3. Finally, let us pray for rich men, who as yet know nothing of the luxury of "giving," that their riches may not be their ruin.

"The acts of a poor believer have as much dignity about them as the acts of a prince. The little contributions to religious objects which the laborer makes out of his scanty earnings, are as much valued in God's sight as a ten thousand dollar check from a noble. To know this thoroughly is one great secret of contentment. To feel that Christ looks at what a man is, and not at what a man has, will help to preserve us from envious and murmuring thoughts."

"Let us judge ourselves in this matter of giving, that we may not be judged and condemned at the great day. Let it be a settled principle with us to watch against stinginess, and whatever else we do with our money, to give regularly and habitually to the cause of God."

"A giving Savior ought to have giving disciples."

Questions:

1. How amazing that, with all that Jesus had on His mind, that he notices the widow giving two copper coins! Ryle points out that this Jesus who sees even the smallest details hasn’t changed. He also mentions that one of the keys to contentment is knowing that God cares about what a person is, not what a person has. The rich man who gives a 10,000 dollar check is not more significant than the poor widow who gives 2 copper coins. What does this do to our hearts?

2. Ryle says that Jesus would have us know that some people appear to give much to religious purposes who in God's sight give very little, and that some appear to give very little who in God's sight give very much. This is a heart-searching question, indeed! When we stand before the great judgement seat, and our expenditures are exposed for an assembled world, will we have thankfulness in our hearts, or wish we were never born?

3. Do we know the riches we have in the Bible, the Holy Spirit, the gospel, the means of grace, and all the gifts that God has given to us? Do our lives show we treasure these gifts, and desire to further the kingdom in the giving of what God has given to us? May we take hold of that which is truly life, by the grace of God!