- Others Saw Two Coins – Jesus Saw a Whole Heart
- The coins were almost worthless—the sacrifice was enormous
- A mite was their smallest copper coin—two mites = 1/4 cent, 1/64 day’s wage
- Man could count what she put in—Jesus could measure what it cost (12:44)
- It wasn’t merely the higher percentage—she gave herself to God (2 Cor. 8:2-5)
- Her whole heart showed in sacrifice, humility and obedience
- She was not seeking attention or announcing herself
- She did not quibble about “how much to give”
- Jesus saw where the gift came from—a heart given to God (Rom. 12:1; 2 Cor. 9:7)
- The coins were almost worthless—the sacrifice was enormous
- Others Saw a Poor Widow – Jesus Saw a Rich Trust
- She had every earthly reason to be afraid
- A “poor widow” describes real destitution—no husband, no resources
- She gave “all she had to live on” (NASB) and placed herself in God’s care
- Her trust was not misplaced—God has always cared for widows
- The Bible repeatedly reveals God’s concerns for widows (Ex. 22:22-23; Deut. 24:19-21; 1 Tim. 5:3-16; Jas. 1:27)
- And God’s Son was there watching her, knowing everything about her
- Your God knows you and cares for you (Matt. 6:32-33; 1 Pet. 5:7)
- She had every earthly reason to be afraid
- Others Saw an Insignificant Moment – Jesus Saw an Enduring Example
- Jesus stopped His disciples so they would not miss her (12:43a)
- What nobody else may have noticed, Jesus never forgot
- God sees what nobody else sees and doesn’t forget (Matt. 6:4; Heb. 6:10)
- Christian faithfulness often occurs while nobody notices
- People may never know what it costs you, but Jesus does
- Jesus ensured that this moment of genuine devotion would always be remembered
- Others See Multiple Paths to Salvation – Jesus Shows One Way to Be Saved
- Believe Jesus is the Son of God – John 3:16
- Repent of your sins and turn toward God – Acts 17:30
- Confess your faith in Jesus Christ – Romans 10:9
- Be baptized into Christ – Mark 16:16
- God will forgive all of your sins – Acts 2:38
- God will add you to His church – Acts 2:47
- God will enroll you in heaven – Hebrews 12:23
- Commit yourself fully to Him – Romans 12:1-2
Jesus’ Warning About Self-Righteousness
Preacher: David Sproule
Topic: Jesus’ Warning, Matthew 23, Pharisees, Religious Leaders, Scribes, Self-Righteousness, Woe to You
Date:
August 23, 2026
Passage:
Matthew 23:1-36