October 4. Acceptable Offerings
J.R. Miller teaches that Christ values our sincere, wholehearted offerings, no matter how small, as long as they represent our best effort and faithfulness.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller reflects on the story of Mary’s offering to Jesus, emphasizing that God values our best efforts regardless of their size or material worth. Miller encourages believers to give wholeheartedly and faithfully, reminding them that Christ looks beyond the gift to the love and sincerity behind it. This message inspires Christians to examine their own offerings and to serve God with their very best.
Text
"She has done what she could!" Mark 14:8
This was a wonderful commendation to come from the lips of Jesus. Mary could not have done better than this — if she had been a thousand times as gifted. We get two lessons here:
One is, that all Christ wants — is what we have ability and opportunity to do. He asks no impossibilities. The poorest things, the smallest offerings, are acceptable — if they are really our best in the circumstances.
A child in a mission school offered her teacher a handful of weeds and grasses, wilted and soiled — which she called a bouquet. Did the teacher refuse the gift, and criticize the poor withered weeds? No, she accepted them with as sincere gratitude and as many thanks as if some wealthy friend had offered her an elegant bouquet of flowers. The child did what she could; and the teacher looking behind the gift — saw the love in the little heart, and that transfigured her poor gift. Just so, Christ accepts our poorest work, or our plainest offering — if it is our best.
But the lesson has another side. "She did what she could." It is this, then, which pleases Christ. Are we doing what we could do? Do we always bring to Him our very best gifts? Do we never put Him off with the faded flowers — keeping the fresh and fragrant ones for ourselves? Do we do for Him our very best work? Are we faithful?
If we are only doing half of what we might, we cannot take the comfort of this commendation. The widow\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Jesus commends Mary for her offering
- The value of doing what we can with what we have
- God accepts even the smallest gifts if given sincerely
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II
- The importance of giving our very best to Christ
- Avoiding holding back our best for ourselves
- Faithfulness in service pleases Christ
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III
- Examples of sincere offerings from the heart
- God looks beyond the gift to the love behind it
- Encouragement to evaluate our own offerings
Key Quotes
“All Christ wants is what we have ability and opportunity to do. He asks no impossibilities.” — J.R. Miller
“The poorest things, the smallest offerings, are acceptable if they are really our best in the circumstances.” — J.R. Miller
“Do we never put Him off with the faded flowers—keeping the fresh and fragrant ones for ourselves?” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Offer your best to God in every circumstance, no matter how small the gift may seem.
- Evaluate your faithfulness and avoid holding back your best from God.
- Serve with sincerity and love, knowing God values the heart behind your actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus mean by 'She has done what she could'?
Jesus means that Mary gave her best effort and offering, which pleases Him more than the size or value of the gift.
Are small or poor offerings acceptable to God?
Yes, God values sincere and wholehearted offerings regardless of their material worth.
How can I know if my offering pleases God?
If you give your best with faith and love, your offering pleases God.
Why is faithfulness important in Christian service?
Faithfulness shows our commitment and honors God by giving Him our best consistently.
What should I do if I feel my gifts are inadequate?
Offer them sincerely and trust that God values the heart behind the gift more than its size.