Today we will talk about how a single penny could be worth more to God than millions of dollars. We will learn about the poor widow who gave more than all the rich people, and that things aren’t always the way they seem.
While Jesus was preaching in the temple he saw lots of rich people putting their gifts into the offering, but he also saw a poor widow putting only two tiny coins in. He pointed her out and said, “This poor widow gave more than all the other rich people. They gave out of their wealth, but she gave everything she had.”
Jesus was showing us that things aren’t always what they seem. It seemed like the rich people were giving the most, but it was really the poor lady who gave more. Jesus wants us to be like that widow. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give all your money, but you do have to give him all of yourself and let him guide you.
Kids will be making little piggy banks or donation boxes to bring home and we’d like your help with a little Lent project to learn about giving and sacrifice.
My children don’t get an allowance, but during Lent our plan is for them to earn money, to save that money and, eventually, to offer it to God on Easter Sunday.
Here are a few ideas I have come up for my own children, feel free to use them or share ideas of your own:
- Do extra chores. Even little ones can participate. Sorting socks or wiping baseboards are perfect jobs for young preschoolers.
- The next time they ask for a treat, like a cookie or TCBY, instead of spending the money, we’ll take the equivalent of the amount we would have spent and put it in the box.
- Give away or donate a toy. Again, we’ll put the value of the donated toy into their box.
The idea is for our kids to understand sacrifice. What it means and what it feels like. We hope that you’ll join us and help your children fill up their donation boxes during Lent and bring them back on Easter Sunday to be part of our church-wide offering.
And don’t worry if you’re traveling for Spring break and are not in today, we will have extra boxes for you to pick up the following weeks.
Munger Kids 