Mako 6 - 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.

Jesu unolambiwa nge be Nazareta

(Matewu 13:53-58Luke 4:16-30)

1 Jesu kamilika ipapo kayenda ku shango ya kanyi kwabo, ngono badiyiwa babe bakayenda naye. 2 Kukati nge nsi we Sabata, katangisa kudiya mu Ng'umba ye Ntembezelo, ngono banjinji bakanhwa bakakaabala. Bakabhuzwana beti, “Iwoyu nlume wakawana poni kose ikoku? Butjenjedu gupi igogu gwaakapiwa? Unoshinga mishingo inolakidza simba. 3 Apa ate iye mbezhi iwoyu kene, mwana wa Mariya kakale ali nkulu wa Jakubo na Josefa na Judasi na Simoni? Apa hazwadzi dzidze ate dzili muno naswi kene?” Bakan'gwadzilamoyo.

4 Jesu kati ku bali, “Nlebesambeli aatoshaya tjilumbi ha kusi mu shango ya kanyi kwabo koga ne pakati kwe makamu awe ne be nsha wa kanyi kwabo.”

5 Aazotubula kushinga mishingo inolakidza simba ipapo, kuzhe kwe kubiga maboko awe pezhugwi kwe bathu banogwala bashomanana, ebapodza. 6 Ngono wakakaabadziwa nge kusheta kugalamoyo kwabo.

Jesu unotuma badiyiwa bali gumi lina babili

(Matewu 10:5-15Luke 9:1-6)

Ipapo Jesu kayenda mu mizi ediya. 7 Wakadanila kunli bali gumi lina babili, kabatuma bubili nge bubili, ngono kabapa simba pezhugwi kwe meya mibi. 8 Kabalaya eti, “Musitongo senga tjimwe mu gwendo gwenyu, kuzhe kwe ludozo. Musitole tjiwunga kene gobhodo kene mari mu mwandabula wenyu. 9 Muambale khwebana koga, muyende ne tjiambalo tjamakaambala koga. 10 Ha muswika mu nzi mugale ipapo, kudzina mubhuda mu magalo iyawo. 11 Magalo asingamuamutjile, belamba kumuhwa, muti mubhudapo, mushashamule hwuluba mu makumbo enyu, kube tjilakidzo mu bali kuti nlandu nge wabo.”

12 Bakabhuda bakanosumikila kuti bathu bashanduke. 13 Bakadusa meya mibi minjinji, ngono bakazhodza bagwele banjinji mafuta bakabapodza.

Lufu gwa Johani we N'dubiki

(Matewu 14:1-12Luke 9:7-9)

14 Mambo Herode kahwa ngekwa ikoku, ngobe zina la Jesu lakabe lalumba. Bamwe bakabe beti, “Johani we N'dubiki wakamusiwa mu bafi, ndizo masimba iyawa eshinga munli.”

15 Bamwe bakati, “Ndi Elija.” Koga bamwe bakati, “Nlebesambeli unonga balebesambeli ba ntolo.”

16 Koga Herode wakati ehwa ikoku kati, “Johani iye wandakathubula nsholo wakamusiwa mu bafi!” 17 Herode nge kukwe wakabe alaula kuti Johani abhakhwe, ngono kati asungwe, alongwe mu ng'umba ye busungwa. Wakathama ikoku ngekwa Herodiyasi, nkadzi wa Filipo nnung'una uwe, waakabe atjilobola. 18 Johani wakabe ati kuna Herode, “Ate kuli mu nlayo kuti ulobole nkadzi we nnung'una uwo.”

19 Ndiko Herodiyasi kabhata Johani nge moyo, kayemula kumbulaya. Koga aazotubula kumbulaya. 20 Herode wakabe etja Johani, eziba ali nthu wakalulwama, kakale wakayengemala, ndizo kantjengeta. Herode wakabe eti ehwa matama a Johani kashangana nsholo, koga eda kunhwilila.

21 Gwe bupelo nkoba ukazhuka. Herode wakati mu zhuba le kuzwikumbuludza mazwago awe kathamila hadzasha dzidze ne balauli be babhayani ne batungamili be Galili nzano we zojiwa. 22 Nkololokadzi wa Herodiyasi kangina kazana, kashathisa Herode ne bezi baanoja nabo. Mambo kati ku mwanadi iwoyo, “Undikumbile tjimwe ne tjimwe tjaunoda, ngono ndowokupa itjo.” 23 Kabuya katuna kati, “Tjimwe ne tjimwe tjaunokumbila ndowokupa itjo kene kuli gwamu le shango yangu.”

24 Nkololokadzi kabhudila kuzhe kanobhuzwa mmeyabe kati, “Apa ndi kumbileni kene mme?” Herodiyasi kan'dabila kati, “Kumbila nsholo wa Johani we N'dubiki.”

25 Tjinyolotjo nkololokadzi kayenda kuna mambo elibilidza kakumbila eti, “Ndokumbila nsholo wa Johani we N'dubiki uli mu ndilo.”

26 Ngono mambo kapuna moyo kwazokwazo, koga nge kutuna kukwe nenge bezi baakabe eja nabo, aazoda kuti unganlambila. 27 Ipapo katuma mmwe we babhayani banolinda, enlaya kuti azhise nsholo wa Johani. Iwoyo nlume kayenda, kanothubula nsholo wa Johani mu ng'umba ye busungwa, 28 ngono kauzhisa uli mu ndilo, kaupa mwanadi iwoyo, mwanadi kaupa mmeyabe. 29 Badiyiwa ba Johani bakati behwa ikoku, bakazha bakatola itumbu tjitje, bakanotjibiganya.

Jesu unopa zojiwa bathu bali zwiwulu zwishanu (5 000)

(Matewu 14:13-21Luke 9:10-17Johani 6:1-14)

30 Batumwa bakabgwilila kuna Jesu bakambikila kose kwabakathama ne tjabakadiya. 31 Bathu banjinji bakabe bezha, bamwe beyenda, ndizo bakasheta tjibaka tjekuti baje. Kabe edwa badiyiwa babe eti, “Izhani tiyende pakanyalala, munonyaluluka kushomanana.” 32 Ndizo bakayenda bali boga nge n'goro pathu pakanyalala.

33 Koga banji bakababona bemilika bakabaziba, ndizo bakalabuka kudwa mu mizi yose bakanobatangila. 34 Jesu wakati edeluka mu n'goro ebona mbunga nkulu we bathu, kabahwila ngoni ngobe bakabe benga pkhwizi dzisina nlisi. Ndizo wakatangisa ku badiya zwithu zwinjinji. 35 Kwakati zhuba lomila, badiyiwa babe bakazha kunli bakati, “Pano timu shango koga ne zhuba lashwa. 36 Paladzani bathu, bayende ku mizi ipejo banozwitengela tjabangaja.”

37 Kadabila eti, “Mubape tjinojiwa imwi.”

Bakati kunli, “Oku kungatola mari e siliva ali mazana mabili (200)! Apa tishingise mari mangapo mu tjiwunga tibape baje kene?”

38 Kabhuzwa kati, “Muna zwiwunga zwingana? Kasholeni.”

Bakati bashola bakashandula beti, “Tina zwiwunga zwishanu ne hwobe mbili.”

39 Jesu kagadza bathu pasi nge mibungana mu bushwa butshwa. 40 Ndizo bakagala pasi nge mibungana ye bathu bali zana (100) ne bali makumi mashanu (50). 41 Wakatola zwiwunga zwishanu ne hwobe mbili, kalinga kudzimu kaboka, ngono kapemula zwiwunga. Kudwapo kazwipa badiyiwa babe kuti bazwipe bathu, kabe ebakobanya hwobe mbili bose. 42 Bose bakaja, ngono bakaguta. 43 Badiyiwa bakanunga mamburumburu e tjiwunga ne hwobe bakazhadza seme dzili gumi lina mbili. 44 Balume bakaja zwiwunga izwezo bakabe bali zwiwulu zwishanu (5 000).

Jesu unoyenda nge makumbo pezhugwi kwe vula

(Matewu 14:22-33Johani 6:15-21)

45 Kudwa ipapo Jesu kadwa badiyiwa babe kati bangine mu n'goro bayende ku Bhetisaida, iye atjasala epaladza bathu. 46 Kati edwa pabali kanotatha dombo kunotembezela. 47 Kwakati kube madekwana, n'goro ukabe uli pakati kwe gungwa, iye ali ega mu shango. 48 Kabona badiyiwa babe begwisana ne migoti inoyendisa n'goro, ngobe phepo yakabe yakalingisana nabo. Kukati mazhokuyedza kayenda ku bali enangayila pezhugwi kwe vula. Ngono kayedza se unobapinda. 49 Bakati bembona eyenda nge makumbo pezhugwi kwe vula bakakumbula kuti ipuku, ndizo bakamimila, 50 ngobe bakambona bose, ngono bakapalukamoyo.

Tjinyolotjo kalebeleka nabo kati, “Simisani mimoyo! Ndimi, musitje.” 51 Ipapo katatha n'goro nabo ngono dutu likama. Bakakaabala kwazo, 52 nge kuti bakabe basahwisisa ngekwe zwiwunga. Mimoyo yabo yakabe yakakukutala.

Jesu unopodza bagwele mu nzi we Genezareta

(Matewu 14:34-36)

53 Bakati batjulukila seli, bakaswika mu ntuthu we Genezareta, ngono bakayisa n'goro wabo ku phili. 54 Bakati bebhuda mu n'goro, bathu bakaziba Jesu. 55 Bakalabuka ntuthu wose, bakasenga bagwele mitengate bebayisa kumwe ne kumwe kwabanohwa kuyi uyako. 56 Kumwe ne kumwe kwaakabe eyenda mu mizana ne mu mizi mikulu, kene mu shango bakabe bebiga bagwele mu matengeselo, benkumbila kuti abadumilile kubhata nenguba guli lupeto gwe tjiambalo tjitje, ngono bose bakagubhata bakapola.

The People of Nazareth Turn against Jesus

(Matthew 13.53-58Luke 4.16-30)

1 Jesus left and returned to his hometown with his disciples. 2 The next Sabbath he taught in the synagogue. Many of the people who heard him were amazed and asked, “How can he do all this? Where did he get such wisdom and the power to work these miracles? 3 Isn't he the carpenter, the son of Mary? Aren't James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon his brothers? Don't his sisters still live here in our town?” The people were upset because of what he was doing.

4 But Jesus said, “Prophets are honored by everyone, except the people of their hometown and their relatives and their own family.” 5 Jesus could not work any miracles there, except to heal a few sick people by placing his hands on them. 6 He was surprised that the people did not have any faith.

Instructions for the Twelve Apostles

(Matthew 10.5-15Luke 9.1-6)

Jesus taught in all the neighboring villages. 7 Then he called together his twelve apostles and sent them out two by two with power over evil spirits. 8 He told them, “You may take along a walking stick. But don't carry food or a traveling bag or any money. 9 It's all right to wear sandals, but don't take along a change of clothes. 10 When you are welcomed into a home, stay there until you leave that town. 11 If any place won't welcome you or listen to your message, leave and shake the dust from your feet as a warning to them.”

12 The apostles left and started telling everyone to turn to God. 13 They forced out many demons and healed a lot of sick people by putting olive oil on them.

The Death of John the Baptist

(Matthew 14.1-12Luke 9.7-9)

14 Jesus became so well-known that Herod the ruler heard about him. Some people thought he was John the Baptist, who had come back to life with the power to work miracles. 15 Others thought he was Elijah or some other prophet who had lived long ago. 16 But when Herod heard about Jesus, he said, “This must be John! I had his head cut off, and now he has come back to life.”

17-18 Herod had earlier married Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. But John had told him, “It isn't right for you to take your brother's wife!” So, in order to please Herodias, Herod arrested John and put him in prison.

19 Herodias had a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she could not do it 20 because Herod was afraid of John and protected him. He knew that John was a good and holy man. Even though Herod was confused by what John said, he was glad to listen to him. And he often did.

21 Finally, Herodias got her chance when Herod gave a great birthday celebration for himself and invited his officials, his army officers, and the leaders of Galilee. 22 The daughter of Herodias came in and danced for Herod and his guests. She pleased them so much that Herod said, “Ask for anything, and it's yours! 23 I swear that I will give you as much as half of my kingdom, if you want it.”

24 The girl left and asked her mother, “What do you think I should ask for?”

Her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist!”

25 The girl hurried back and told Herod, “Here and now on a serving plate I want the head of John the Baptist!”

26 Herod was very sorry for what he had said. But he did not want to break the promise he had made in front of his guests. 27 At once he ordered a guard to cut off John's head there in prison. 28 The guard put the head on a serving plate and took it to the girl. Then she gave it to her mother.

29 When John's followers learned that he had been killed, they took his body and put it in a tomb.

Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

(Matthew 14.13-21Luke 9.10-17John 6.1-14)

30 After the apostles returned to Jesus, they told him everything they had done and taught. 31 But so many people were coming and going that Jesus and the apostles did not even have a chance to eat. Then Jesus said, “Let's go to a place where we can be alone and get some rest.” 32 They left in a boat for a place where they could be alone. 33 But many people saw them leave and figured out where they were going. So people from every town ran on ahead and got there first.

34 When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw the large crowd that was like sheep without a shepherd. He felt sorry for the people and started teaching them many things.

35 That evening the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This place is like a desert, and it's already late. 36 Let the crowds leave, so they can go to the farms and villages near here and buy something to eat.”

37 Jesus replied, “You give them something to eat.”

But they asked him, “Don't you know it would take almost a year's wages to buy all of these people something to eat?”

38 Then Jesus said, “How much bread do you have? Go and see!”

They found out and answered, “We have five small loaves of bread and two fish.” 39 Jesus told his disciples to tell the people to sit down on the green grass. 40 They sat down in groups of 100 and groups of 50.

41 Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish. He looked up toward heaven and blessed the food. Then he broke the bread and handed it to his disciples to give to the people. He also divided the two fish, so everyone could have some.

42 After everyone had eaten all they wanted, 43 Jesus' disciples picked up twelve large baskets of leftover bread and fish.

44 There were 5,000 men who ate the food.

Jesus Walks on the Water

(Matthew 14.22-33John 6.15-21)

45 At once, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and start back across to Bethsaida. But he stayed until he had sent the crowds away. 46 Then he told them goodbye and went up on the side of a mountain to pray.

47 Later in the evening he was still there by himself, and the boat was somewhere in the middle of the lake. 48 He could see that the disciples were struggling hard, because they were rowing against the wind. Not long before morning, Jesus came toward them. He was walking on the water and was about to pass the boat.

49 When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, they thought he was a ghost, and they started screaming. 50 All of them saw him and were terrified. But at this same time he said, “Don't worry! I am Jesus. Don't be afraid.” 51 He then got into the boat with them, and the wind died down. The disciples were completely confused. 52 Their minds were closed, and they could not understand the true meaning of the loaves of bread.

Jesus Heals Sick People in Gennesaret

(Matthew 14.34-36)

53 Jesus and his disciples crossed the lake and brought the boat to shore near the town of Gennesaret. 54 As soon as they got out of the boat, the people recognized Jesus. 55 So they ran all over that part of the country to bring their sick people to him on mats. They brought them each time they heard where he was. 56 In every village or farm or marketplace where Jesus went, the people brought their sick to him. They begged him to let them just touch his clothes, and everyone who did was healed.