William Burkitt Notes and Observations - Mark 12:41 - 12:41

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William Burkitt Notes and Observations - Mark 12:41 - 12:41


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As our blessed Saviour sat over against the treasury, that is, that part of the court of the temple where the corban, or chests for receiving the people's offerings and gifts, were set, he observed, and took notice of those that offered their oblations; and some that were rich offered very liberally; but a certain poor woman came and offered two mites.

Our Saviour hereupon takes occasion to instruct his disciples in this comfortable truth; namely, "That Almighty God accepts the will of those that give cheerfully, though they cannot give largely." This poor woman cast in more, in respect of the inward affection of her heart, and in proportion to her state, than all those that were rich and wealthy, that had cast in before her; a mite to her being more than a pound to them.

From the whole, note, 1. That the poorer, yea, the poorest sort of people are not exempted from good works; even they must exercise charity according to their abilities.

Learn, 2. That in all works of charity which we perform, God looks at the heart, the will, and the affection of the giver, more than at the largeness and liberality of the gift: If there be willing mind, says the apostle, it is accepted according to what a man hath, and not according to what he hath not. 2Co_8:12.

3. That a person ought sometimes to give what he cannot very well spare himself; and be ready to distribute not only to his power, but even above and beyond his power, 2Co_8:2-3.