Mako 12 - KBTP & CEVUS06

In a world that often values splendour and abundance, the Bible reminds us that even the smallest gifts can have a profound impact. God’s kingdom operates differently from the world’s standards, showing us that it is not the size of the gift that matters, but the heart behind it. Here are seven Bible verses that illustrate the transformative power of small yet significant acts of giving.

1. The Widow’s Offering

“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43-44)

The widow’s two small coins seemed insignificant compared to the large sums others gave, yet Jesus celebrated her gift because it came from her heart and her trust in God. Despite her poverty, she gave all she had, demonstrating an unwavering faith in God’s provision. This story teaches us that the value of a gift is not measured by its size but by the sacrifice and faith it represents. Her act challenges us to consider what we’re willing to give, even when it feels like we have little to offer.

2. The Boy with Loaves and Fish

“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” (John 6:9)

A young boy offered his small and inadequate lunch to Jesus, and it became the catalyst for one of the greatest miracles, feeding over five thousand people. His offering was small and ordinary, yet in Jesus’ hands, it became extraordinary. This story reminds us that God can take what little we have and multiply it beyond our imagination when we give with an open heart. The boy’s willingness to share what he had shows us the importance of trusting God to use our contributions for His glory.

3. A Cup of Water

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” (Matthew 10:42)

A simple act of kindness, like offering water, does not go unnoticed in God’s eyes. Jesus emphasizes that even the smallest gesture, done with love and for His sake, carries eternal significance. Small gestures of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s life and are cherished by God. This verse inspires us to recognize the value of everyday acts of kindness and how they reflect God’s love to those around us.

4. Faith as Small as a Mustard Seed

“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

This verse reminds us that even the smallest contributions, when paired with faith, can achieve monumental results. Just as a mustard seed grows into a mighty tree, small acts of giving can create ripples of change. It’s not about the magnitude of what we bring, but the faith with which we bring it. When we trust God, even the smallest step can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

5. The Generosity of the Macedonians

“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” (2 Corinthians 8:2)

The Macedonian believers gave generously despite their poverty, demonstrating that generosity is not about wealth but about a willing heart. Their joy in giving came not from abundance but from their love for God and others. They saw giving as a privilege rather than a burden. Their example encourages us to give cheerfully, no matter our circumstances, trusting that our contributions, however small, can make a meaningful difference.

6. The Woman Who Anointed Jesus

“She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” (Mark 14:8)

The woman who anointed Jesus with perfume gave what she had, and her act of devotion was celebrated by Jesus. Though her gift may have seemed small in the world’s eyes, it carried eternal significance. Her act of love and sacrifice demonstrates that giving is not always about meeting physical needs but can also be an expression of worship and honor. This story challenges us to consider how our gifts reflect our love for Christ.

7. The Power of Partnership

“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.” (2 Corinthians 8:3-4)

This verse highlights the collective power of small contributions. The Macedonians gave beyond their ability, showing that sacrificial giving often comes from a deep desire to serve. When we come together to give, even small gifts can combine to create a big impact, supporting God’s work in powerful ways. Their story reminds us that generosity is not limited by our resources but by the willingness of our hearts.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches us that small gifts, when given with a pure heart and faith, can have a big impact. Whether it’s a widow’s coins, a boy’s lunch, or a cup of water, God sees and honors every act of generosity. These stories remind us that in God’s hands, no gift is too small. This Christmas, let’s be inspired to give what we have—no matter how small—and trust that God will use it for His glory and the good of others. Even the smallest gift can be a seed for miracles in God’s hands.

Tjifaniso tje balimi mu nnda we mizhambi

(Matewu 21:33-46Luke 20:9-19)

1 Jesu katangisa kulebeleka nabo nge zwifaniso eti, “Mmwe nlume wakati kathama nnda we mizhambi, kaushoshela, katsha gomba linokobolegwa zhambi pakati kwawo, kabaka thungamakole muuli, kawusayidza bamwe balimi, ngono iye kayenda ku imwe shango. 2 Kwakati tjabe tjibaka tje zhambi, katuma nlanda uwe kuti anontolela dzimwe zhambi dzadwa mu nnda we mizhambi. 3 Bakatola nlanda bakanloba, bakanshandusa akalembedza maboko. 4 Mweni we nnda kapapha katuma mmwe nlanda, ngono na iyebo bakaswika bakamphobola mu nsholo, bakanthama zwithu zwinobhatisa shoni. 5 Kabuya katumila mmwe nlanda kakale, bakaswika bembulaya, bakathama beijalo mu bamwe banjinji bakatumwa shule kukwe bakabaloba, bamwe bakababulaya. 6 Ngono wakabe atjisaligwa nge nkololo uwe waakabe eda kwazo. Gwe bupelo katuma iye, ezwidwa eti, ‘Banowoteta nkololo wangu.’ 7 Koga balimi ibabo be nnda bakalebeleka tje kwabo bakati, ‘Oyu ndiye n'gali we thaka, ngatimbulayeni, kuti ndizo thaka ibe yedu.’ 8 Bakambhata, bakambulaya, bakanlashila kuzhe kwe nnda we mizhambi.

9 “Mweni we nnda unowothama eyitini kene? Unowobuya kawolobesa balimi ibabo, ngono unowosayidza nnda iwoyo we mizhambi kuna bapoga. 10 Amuzobala matama amu hwalo dze Ndzimu anoti,

“ ‘Bgwe lakalambiwa nge babaki,

ndilo lakabe bgwe linotambunudza mbako;

11 ikoku kwakayitiwa ndi She,

ngono kotjenamisa mu mesho edu?’ ”

12 Batungamili be Bajuta bakashaka zila yabangansunga ndiyo, ngobe bakabe babona kuti unodwa ibo, koga bakatja mbunga we bathu. Ndizo bakansiya bakayenda.

Jesu unobhuzwiwa ngekwe kulipa lukhetho

(Matewu 22:15-22Luke 20:20-26)

13 Batungamili be Bajuta bakantumila Bafarasi bamwe ne batobeli* ba Herode kuti bambhatshile mu ndebo dzidze. 14 Bakazha bakan'dwa bakati, “N'diyi, toziba kuti muna malebeswa, amuna hanya kuti nthu ndiani, nge kuti amutolinga mamo e bathu, koga nge malebeswa modiya zila ye Ndzimu. Apa kwakafanila kuti tilipe lukhetho kuna Kaisara kene tisilipe?”

15 Tigulipe kene tisigulipe? Koga Jesu kaziba butjengedzi gwabo, ngono kabadwa kati, “Apa ini mundilika kene? Zhisani ngeno loso ling'ompela ndibone.”

16 Ngono bakalizhisa. Kabadwa kati, “Ifano tjaani itjetji ne zina nge laani?” Bakanshandula bakati, “Nge zwa Kaisara.”

17 Jesu kabadwa kati, “Ipani Kaisara zwithu zwa Kaisara, mupe Ndzimu zwithu zwe Ndzimu.” Bakankaabalila.

Bhuzo ngekwe kumuka kwe bafi

(Matewu 22:23-33Luke 20:27-40)

18 Basadusi, ibo bathu bakabe beti akutomukiwa mu bafi, bakazha kuna Jesu. Ngono bakambhuzwa bakati, 19 “N'diyi, Mushe wakatikwalila eti, ‘Ha nlume angafa esiya nkadzi asina bana, nnung'una we nfi wakafanila n'galathaka, kuti anthamile bana.’ 20 Kwakabe kuna bamwe balume bakazwagwa bali kutendeka, bali bana be nthu. Hwola katola nkadzi, ngono kafa ensiya asina mwana. 21 Nnung'una uwe kan'galathaka, ngono na iyebo kafa asina mwana naye ne we butatubo katobela. 22 Bose bali kutendeka bakasheta mwana wabasiya. Bhelelo nkadzi kafabo. 23 Mu kumuka kwe bafi, unowobe nkadzi waupi? Nge kuti bose bali kutendeka bakabe bakanlobola.”

24 Jesu kati ku bali, “Apa kusaziba hwalo kene simba le Ndzimu kwenyu ate iko kunomulasha kene? 25 Nge kuti ha bemuka mu bafi abatolobola, kakale abatolobogwa, koga banowobe benga batumwa be kudzimu. 26 Koga ngekwe kumuka kwe bafi, apa amuzobala kene mu lukwalo gwa Mushe panolebgwa ngekwe denje, kuti Ndzimu wakadwa Mushe ukati, ‘Ndimi Ndzimu wa Abhurahama, ndimi Ndzimu wa Isaki, ndimi Ndzimu wa Jakubo kene?’ 27 Ate Ndzimu we bafi, koga Ndzimu we batjili. Mose moleyanya.”

Ngekwe nlayo nkulu

(Matewu 22:34-40Luke 10:25-28)

28 Mmwe we Badiyi be nlayo kati esedzela pejo, kabahwa benyanyayidzana, ngono kati ehwa kuti Jesu wadabila zubuyanana, kambhuzwa kati, “Ndiupi nlayo nkulu pa mimwe?”

29 Jesu kadabila kati, “Nlayo nkulu pa mimwe ndi hwoyu, ‘Hwililani imwi Baiziraela, She Ndzimu wedu, She bang'ompela. 30 Ida She Ndzimu uwo nge moyo uwo wose nenge meya iyo yose nenge nkumbulo uwo wose nenge masimba awo wose.’ 31 Nlayo nkulu kutobeledza ndihwoyu, ‘Ida mmwe nthu sekwa unozwida.’ Akuna mmwe nlayo unopinda iyeyi.”

32 N'diyi we nlayo kadwa Jesu kati, “Molebesa tjose, N'diyi. Malebesa kuti Ndzimu nng'ompela, ngono akuna mmwe Ndzimu kuzhe kwa iwo woga. 33 Ngono kuti tiwude nge moyo wose nenge njalakang'wa dzose nenge masimba wose nenge kuda mmwe nthu sekwa unozwida, ikoku kopinda zwipo zose zwinopisiwa ne zwimwe zwibhayilo.”

34 Jesu kati ehwa N'diyi we nlayo an'dabila nge butjenjedu, kan'dwa kati, “Aute uli kule kule ne bushe gwe Ndzimu.”

Kudwa ipapo akuna mmwe wakatongo shaka kumbhuzwa bhuzo kene ili yakatini.

Bhuzo ngekwe Mesiya

(Matewu 22:41-46Luke 20:41-44)

35 Jesu kati ediya mu Ng'umba ye Ndzimu kati, “Ini badiyi be nlayo beti Mesiya nkololo wa Dafite kene? 36 Dafite nge kukwe wakati elaugwa nge Meya yakayengemala, kalebeleka kati,

“ ‘She bakati kuna She wangu,

gala ku luboko gwangu gwe luji

kudzina ndibiga zwita zwizo pasi kwe makumbo awo.’

37 “Apa Dafite ungati en'dana eti ‘She,’ ungabe nkololo uwe tjini kene?”

Bunjinji gwe bathu bakabe bakanhwilila gukashathisiwa nge ndebo iye.

Jesu unolaya bathu ngekwe badiyi be nlayo

(Matewu 23:1-36Luke 20:45-47)

38 Mu zwidiyo zwizwe wakalebeleka eti, “Muzwitjengete mu badiyi be nlayo, banoda kuambala hazu ndefu ndefu ne kulezwiwa ku matengeselo. 39 Banoda magalo mabuyanana mu ng'umba ye ntembezelo ne kuda bugalo gwe mamo ha kuli mu mizano ye zojiwa. 40 Banotjebela tjilikadzi, bezwiyedza bathu bakalulwama nge mitembezelo yabo milefu. Shamu yabo inowobe hwulu.”

Tjipo tjakadusiwa nge tjilikadzi

(Luke 21:1-4)

Small Gifts, Big Impact

41 Jesu kagala kulingisana ne panodusigwa zwipo zwe mari, kalingilila bathu banjinji belonga mari abo panolongwa zwipo mu Ng'umba ye Ndzimu. Bafumi banjinji bakalonga mari manjinji. 42 Kukazha nshayi we tjilikadzi kalonga mari mabili e themba tukununu tjose. 43

Ipapo Jesu kadana badiyiwa babe kabadwa kati, “Ndolebesa nditi, iyeyi tjilikadzi isina tjayo, yadusa kupinda bose. 44 Bamwe bawungunula mu fumwa yabo, koga iye nenguba ali nshayi, wadusa kose kwaanako mu butjilo gugwe.”

Renters of a Vineyard

(Matthew 21.33-46Luke 20.9-19)

1 Jesus then told them this story:

A farmer once planted a vineyard. He built a wall around it and dug a pit to crush the grapes in. He also built a lookout tower. Then he rented out his vineyard and left the country.

2 When it was harvest time, he sent a servant to get his share of the grapes. 3 The renters grabbed the servant, beat him up, and sent him away without a thing.

4 The owner sent another servant, but the renters beat him on the head and insulted him terribly. 5 Then the man sent another servant, and they killed him. He kept sending servant after servant. They beat some of them and killed some.

6 The owner had a son he loved very much. Finally, he sent his son to the renters because he thought they would respect him. 7 But they said to themselves, “Someday he will own this vineyard. Let's kill him! That way we can have it all for ourselves.” 8 So they grabbed the owner's son, killed him, and threw his body out of the vineyard.

9 Jesus asked, “What do you think the owner of the vineyard will do? He will come and kill those renters and let someone else have his vineyard. 10 You surely know that the Scriptures say,

‘The stone the builders

tossed aside

is now the most important

stone of all.

11 This is something

the Lord has done,

and it is amazing to us.’ ”

12 The leaders knew that Jesus was really talking about them, and they wanted to arrest him. But because they were afraid of the crowd, they let him alone and left.

Paying Taxes

(Matthew 22.15-22Luke 20.20-26)

13 The Pharisees got together with Herod's followers. Then they sent some men to trick Jesus into saying something wrong. 14 They went to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are honest. You treat everyone with the same respect, no matter who they are. And you teach the truth about what God wants people to do. Tell us, should we pay taxes to the Emperor or not?”

15 Jesus knew what they were up to, and he said, “Why are you trying to test me? Show me a coin!”

16 They brought him a silver coin, and he asked, “Whose picture and name are on it?”

“The Emperor's,” they answered.

17 Then Jesus told them, “Give the Emperor what belongs to him and give God what belongs to God.” The men were amazed at Jesus.

Life in the Future World

(Matthew 22.23-33Luke 20.27-40)

18 The Sadducees did not believe that people would rise to life after death. So some of them came to Jesus and said:

19 Teacher, Moses wrote that if a married man dies and has no children, his brother should marry the widow. Their first son would then be thought of as the son of the dead brother. 20 There were once seven brothers. The first one married, but died without having any children. 21 The second brother married his brother's widow, and he also died without having children. The same thing happened to the third brother, 22 and finally to all seven brothers. At last the woman died. 23 When God raises people from death, whose wife will this woman be? After all, she had been married to all seven brothers.

24 Jesus answered:

You are completely wrong! You don't know what the Scriptures teach. And you don't know anything about the power of God. 25 When God raises people to life, they won't marry. They will be like the angels in heaven. 26 You surely know about people being raised to life. You know that in the story about Moses and the burning bush, God said, “I am the God worshiped by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” 27 He isn't the God of the dead, but of the living. You Sadducees are all wrong.

The Most Important Commandment

(Matthew 22.34-40Luke 10.25-28)

28 One of the teachers of the Law of Moses came up while Jesus and the Sadducees were arguing. When he heard Jesus give a good answer, he asked him, “What is the most important commandment?”

29 Jesus answered, “The most important one says: ‘People of Israel, you have only one Lord and God. 30 You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.’ 31 The second most important commandment says: ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ No other commandment is more important than these.”

32 The man replied, “Teacher, you are certainly right to say there is only one God. 33 It is also true that we must love God with all our heart, mind, and strength, and that we must love others as much as we love ourselves. These commandments are more important than all the sacrifices and offerings that we could possibly make.”

34 When Jesus saw that the man had given a sensible answer, he told him, “You are not far from God's kingdom.” After this, no one dared ask Jesus any more questions.

About David's Son

(Matthew 22.41-46Luke 20.41-44)

35 As Jesus was teaching in the temple, he said, “How can the teachers of the Law of Moses say the Messiah will come from the family of King David? 36 The Holy Spirit led David to say,

‘The Lord said to my Lord:

Sit at my right side

until I make your enemies

into a footstool for you.’

37 If David called the Messiah his Lord, how can the Messiah be his son?”

The large crowd enjoyed listening to Jesus teach.

Jesus Condemns the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law of Moses

(Matthew 23.1-36Luke 20.45-47)

38 As Jesus was teaching, he said:

Guard against the teachers of the Law of Moses! They love to walk around in long robes and be greeted in the market. 39 They like the front seats in the synagogues and the best seats at banquets. 40 But they cheat widows out of their homes and pray long prayers just to show off. They will be punished most of all.

A Widow's Offering

(Luke 21.1-4)

41 Jesus was sitting in the temple near the offering box and watching people put in their gifts. He noticed that many rich people were giving a lot of money. 42 Finally, a poor widow came up and put in two coins worth only a few pennies. 43 Jesus told his disciples to gather around him. Then he said:

I tell you that this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 44 Everyone else gave what they didn't need. But she is very poor and gave everything she had. Now she doesn't have a cent to live on.