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Church Life: AD 150  /  Tithing and Fasting  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 5
Bercot highlights Jesus praising the widow because she gave “out of her necessity” rather than “out of their excess”; where do you see your own giving fitting on that spectrum, and what “necessities” (not luxuries) might actually be touched if you took Jesus’ evaluation literally?
Another way to ask: Jesus praised the widow for giving even when she didn’t have much. Where does your giving fall between giving from “extra” and giving from real need, and what basic needs might be affected if you took Jesus’ view seriously?

Direct Answer Bercot uses the widow to challenge comfortable Christians—especially “middle-class American Christians”—to admit that much of our giving comes from “excess” and usually only reduces luxuries. If we took Jesus’ evaluation seriously, our giving might begin to affect what we treat as necessities, not just optional spending.

Support from Transcript:

  • He recalls Jesus’ teaching that the widow “gave more” because she gave “out of her necessity” while others gave “out of their excess.”
  • He clarifies this wasn’t even “a tithe,” but a temple contribution, showing Jesus evaluates heart and sacrifice, not percentages.
  • He applies it directly: “most of us American Christians… [our] giving cuts back on our luxuries… It does not affect our normal living.”
  • He says we often have not experienced giving that affects “what we ate… or… other things… considered a need or a necessity.”
  • He argues the real obligation is helping “our brother in need,” not just meeting a 10% target.
Discussion Follow-ups What parts of our lifestyle do we label “needs” mainly because of our culture? How could a family begin testing generosity in a way that is real but not reckless?

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