Bible Study – Gratitude and Giving
Share: Your highs (something that made you happy) and lows (something that made you sad) this week with others around you or write them down.
During the last weeks of Ordinary Time, the Gospel of Mark continues with the Kingdom of God is open for all people. We hear this message in the readings about the rich man, the disciples jockeying for position, the blind man, the saints, the poor widow, and even Pilate as he queries Jesus about being a king. We don't have to pass an entrance exam; we are already in the Kingdom. Through all the changes that occur in our lives, what will not change is God's love for each of us. The kingdom that Jesus is proclaiming is already here and yet is also still to come – the undercurrent of Advent, which is coming near.
The season of Ordinary Time continues for two more Sundays. The Gospel brings us back to noticing what we are being called to do. Clearly it is not to put on a big show or call attention to ourselves. Beware of those whose actions are not compatible with their talk! And perhaps it's not about the size of the contribution, but the depth of the gratitude.
Today we have a story about giving to God and "gratitude." How would you define the word "gratitude?"
Opening Prayer: Oh, God, help us to remember the good things you put in our lives and help us to share what we have with others. Amen
Please open your Bibles to Mark 12:38-44 and read or read the scriptures below.
Mark 12:38-44
Warning Against the Teachers of the Law
38 As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”
The Widow’s Offering
41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Reflection Questions: (See answers at the bottom of the pages)
- What are the "scribes" doing?
- Why do you think Jesus says that is not good?
- What does Jesus notice about the poor widow?
- Do you think Jesus wants us to give all our money to the church?
- Why do you think Jesus tells this story?
Click here for the young learner’s lesson.
Videos (Click on url)
Mark 12:38-44: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YphGnqL3p08
Gospel of Mark Summary: A complete Animated Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGHqu9-DtXk
Song: Our Best - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEcdjMl6_Fw
Activities:
Gratitude Booklets: Use 3 or 4 sheets of the paper. Fold the combined sheets in half (either way you choose) and staple them together along what would be the spine. Instant booklets. Write only things you notice for which you are grateful. For example friends, flowers, chocolate, sport etc. Take some time to think and write them in your booklet. Keep the booklet with you and add to it as things occur to you. What do you think would be a good title for your little booklet? Add the title.
God Has Given Me…: Make copies of the “money” on the following website - https://www.pinterest.com/pin/533535887107879882/. Cut out the bill and then decorate the bill to represent those things for which you are grateful or those things that God has given you to share.
Offering Can: Use a small can or box and cover it with construction paper. Draw and decorate the construction paper and then tape to the container and put your loose monies into the offering can and give back to Jesus each week. Think of places that you might find loose change such as in your cars, under the couch cushions, etc.
The Widow’s Mite - Crossword: https://sermons4kids.com/activities/widows-mite
The Widow’s Mite - Word Search: https://sermons4kids.com/activities/widows-mite-3
The Widow’s Mite – Decoder: https://sermons4kids.com/activities/widows-mite-1
The Widow’s Mite – Fill in the Blank: https://sermons4kids.com/activities/widows-mite-2
Prayer: Thank you, God, that we have so many things to be thankful for. Thank you for your generosity to us. Help us to give to you and to others in your name. Amen.
Answers to the Reflection Questions:
- What are the "scribes" doing? (Showing off, acting like big shots, expecting special attention.)
- Why do you think Jesus says that is not good? (They are forgetting the important things: caring for the poor.)
- What does Jesus notice about the poor widow? (She made no show of her gift, and she gave all that she had)
- Do you think Jesus wants us to give all our money to the church? (Probably not.)
- Why do you think Jesus tells this story? (To help us remember to be grateful and to give what we have to God.)
