True Devotion & Jesus’ Life-giving Love

Scripture Readings: Mark 12: 38-44 & Hebrews 9:24-28

In Mark 12, Jesus warns against the scribes’ self-centeredness and desire for attention and honour. Their attention was all external show, designed not to give honour to God but to attract it to themselves. While the religious leaders sought status and recognition, the woman didn’t seek to be noticed or praised; she sought only to honour God with what she had.

In the temple, she was not seen by the religious leaders, but she was seen by Jesus. They overlooked her, but Jesus looked at her and recognised the meaning of her giving when the woman offers two coins only. The woman was doing real action which is based on her faith while the religious leaders were doing empty ceremonies. God sees our actions even when people do not. Jesus taught his disciples and us that this heart filled with love is the heart God wants.

As verse 40 shows, the scribes devoured the widow’s property, misusing their position and exploiting the poor instead of caring for them. The widow’s actions are not only an example of faithful giving, but also a demand for justice. Giving requires spiritual courage and a heart that seeks God’s kingdom and demands God’s righteousness, which comes from God’s presence and the living Word of God.

True devotion to God is not about outward appearances or seeking praise but about a humble heart focused on loving God and others. In accordance with Jesus’ words, may we consider what true devotion looks like today – whether in serving, giving, or simply loving others without seeking recognition.

From verse 41, Jesus highlights the widow’s offering, contrasting it with the wealthy who give out of abundance. Her two small coins represent true sacrifice, showing that God values the heart and intent behind our giving.

Today’s story is about the value of her heart in giving and her commitment in worship. The woman’s offering was significant because it was an act of deep, sacrificial love. It demonstrated a trust and love for God that transcended her material circumstances.

The most valuable gift we can give to God is our whole heart. True worship isn’t measured by the size of our gifts but by the love and devotion behind them. It’s the type of love that is willing to say, “Lord, I trust You enough to give You all that I am and all that I have.”

Today’s text calls us to reflect on the nature of our giving – whether we give from a place of sacrifice and love, like the woman, or from a place of hypocrisy and ostentation, like the scribe. May we view giving not by quantity but by the depth of commitment and love it represents.

I am grateful for the service of our congregation, which is so generous in making faithful and heartfelt offerings to God and in helping others through giving. It is a testament to our love and faith in God. What are our two small coins today? May our offering and giving be an expression of faith and love that is pleasing to God.

Hebrews 9 describes how Jesus entered the true heavenly sanctuary, offering Himself once for all to remove our sins. Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the past, Christ’s sacrifice was final and complete. This points to the depth of Jesus’ love and the power of His sacrifice, which brings true, lasting reconciliation with God. May we meditate on the completeness of Christ’s work on the cross and how it transforms our relationship with God.

Hebrews reminds us of life’s brevity, with a focus on accountability and the promise of Jesus’ return. Just as the widow’s offering reflected her trust in God rather than earthly security, we are called to live in light of eternity, letting go of earthly attachments that don’t align with the kingdom of God. May we cultivate a lifestyle that reflects eternal values such as faith, love, and generosity especially in how we use time and resources.

Just before Remembrance Day, we honour and remember those who have laid down their lives for others. Their sacrifices speak to the deep cost of freedom and peace, a reminder of the courage that have contributed to our world. Today, here, we are reminded that Christ made the ultimate sacrifice – not for a temporary peace, but for an eternal one.

Jesus did not need to repeat his sacrifice; it was once and for all, sufficient to take away sin and grant us new life. In His willing and perfect sacrifice, we see the ultimate expression of love – life laid down to bring life to others. Today we remember and give thanks for Jesus’ unconditional love and life-giving sacrifice, and we seek to live with an eternal perspective.

Jesus’ love for us is truly beyond measure. In His life, teachings, and interactions with people, we see a Savior who is willing to go to any lengths to reach us, heal us, and bring us back to God. But the greatest expression of His love is found in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Jesus didn’t just give part of Himself; He gave everything, laying down His life so that we could find life in Him.

This sacrifice wasn’t made because we were perfect or because we could ever earn it. Romans 5:8 tells us, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus loved us in our brokenness, meeting us in our need and offering us forgiveness, healing, and hope. His love doesn’t depend on what we do or who we are; it’s rooted in His character and His commitment to bring us into a loving relationship with God.

An Art like Matthias Grünewald’s “Isenheim Altarpiece” offers moving depictions of Christ’s suffering on the cross, emphasizing the depth of His sacrifice. This painting highlights His vulnerability and humanity, underlining His immense love. In this picture, we see John the Baptist and John the disciple of Jesus, as well as Jesus’ mother Mary and Mary Magdalene, all of whom loved and served Jesus differently. We all look different and are in different situations, but with the gifts God has given us and our love and faith in Him, we can worship Him, serve Him, and care for others.

Bernhard Plockhorst’s “The Good Shepherd” shows Jesus lovingly holding or carrying a lamb, reminding us of His dedication to each person. The Good Shepherd is an impressive image symbolizing Christ’s love and care. Our Lord, who lays down his life for his sheep, is with us today, caring for us. May we live in such a way that we can share His love and care.

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are freed from sin and given new life. He offers us not only forgiveness but also the power to live transformed lives. When we accept His love and grace, we are called to respond by sharing that same love with others, reflecting the depth of Jesus’ compassion, forgiveness, and mercy.

In every moment, may we remember that Jesus’ love is unconditional, and His sacrifice is life-giving. His love is a gift we can rest in, rely on, and share with the world. May our love for the Lord overflow in everything we do, trusting that in God’s hand, our all is more than enough.

As we think about how we stand before God today and what we bring to Him, may we give God our love that trusts, love that surrenders, love that confesses, “You, Lord, are my everything.” Let us give God our hearts fully and allow Christ’s love to inspire us to live lives marked by compassion, hope, and peace.

(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)