A Penny for A Penny

I believe that giving to the poor is one of the most important ways in which we share the love of Christ. He cared for them very, very much. Now, while he was here there is nothing that indicates that he was wealthy. In fact, we know that he wasn’t. When Jesus told the disciples to provide food for the crowd of people they looked at him with shock and explained that it was going to cost too much. (Mark 6:37). 

Still, Christ often spoke of caring for the poor, the orphaned, and the widows. Now really quick, let me explain a few things. In those days orphans, widows, and the sick were out of luck. Those without parents had no inheritance and were left without guidance. Most likely, if they were not cared for by someone, they would turn to stealing and crime to provide for themselves. Widows were poor, because at that time women could not inherit. If a woman had married but did not have any sons before her husband died, then there was no one to inherit and take care of her. A son meant that you would not be left destitute. That is why when Jesus healed the widow’s son, He was giving her so much more than just her child. (Luke 11: 7-15) He also reached out to the sick, spending much time in a place called Bethany, which is thought to be the city where the sick and the destitute lived, because they were not permitted to live within the walls of Jerusalem. That is where Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were from.

These people were near and dear to him. So they should be to us. If you find yourself looking on these people with frustration or judgment, pray and ask that God would give you his heart for them. Are they all really in desperate need, unable to provide for themselves? No, they are not. But as a good friend of mine once said, “God told me to give. If they use that money for something they shouldn’t have, then that is between them and God.”

But let me offer this. What if when we gave, it wasn’t just out of obligation? You see Jesus gave, yes, but He always gave so much more than money. He gave food. He gave freedom. He gave relationship. He gave healing. He gave of himself. If you give someone some money simply because you are satisfying some guilt or obligation, then you have stamped down those emotions for the time being and given someone a little money. But, if you have the heart of Jesus for those in need, He will show you what it is they are truly lacking. You will be able to give so much more, and it will be an investment in someone’s life.

But let’s face it, as He has told me several times, “Sometimes, you just need a sandwich.”