2 Corinthians 8:1-6
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-6
Helpful Background Information:
In Mark 14:3-9, we see the woman of Bethany pour perfume over Jesus. The disciples see this as a wasteful act, arguing that such perfume could have been sold so that the proceeds could be given to the poor. Their dislike for her action obviously demeans the woman and her gift. In asserting that there could be a better use for the money, however, they demean Jesus as well, whom they regard as unworthy of such extravagance.
In response, Jesus defends her devotion. According to Jesus, her action was not wasteful, but was a noble or beautiful thing. Here we see Jesus’s heart. He called her action noble because “she has done what she could” (v. 8), very similar to the woman who gave two mere coins in the temple. In Jesus’ sight, an act of devotion has value according to heart motive and intent, not the act’s material value or significance.
We see a similar idea in 2 Corinthians 8:1-6. Paul notes the generous example of the Macedonians, who gave money to Jewish churches struggling near Jerusalem. Despite being in extreme poverty, they nonetheless overflowed with generosity “according to their ability and even beyond their ability” (v.3). Their response demonstrated God’s grace at work in them. What little they possessed, they offered willingly and with joy, regarding it as a privilege to support others. Their gift did not flow from wealth or status, but from hearts eager to serve with what God had entrusted to them.
Reflection Questions:
Have you ever hesitated to give (time, money, possessions) in service to Christ because your gift felt too small to matter? Why?
How does knowing that God values heart motive over material value challenge or encourage you?
Why do you think acts of wholehearted devotion sometimes attract criticism?
How can you give worship or devotion to Jesus according to what you can do?