Jesus talked a lot about money. In fact, Jesus positioned Himself where He could watch and see what amount people gave as an offering.
Mark 12:41-44
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
43 Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Try to picture your pastor setting the offering collection in a central area of your church. Everybody would walk by and put in their money. Now imagine your pastor standing near enough so he could see what everyone put in that day. After the collection is over, your pastor talks about what people gave to the ministry leaders. l can imagine your pastor out of a job the next day!
Why did Jesus talk so much about money? Ministry leaders know that people do not want them talking about money all the time or even some of the time. What if the pastor of your church or director of a ministry you value really did what Jesus did?
I am not recommending pastors or ministry leaders change their offering style to include close up scrutiny of giving. Jesus told 39 parables or stories to make a spiritual point and 11 of them are about finances. Jesus knows that where your money goes is an indication of what you value and love.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
What would your pastor discover about your heart if he saw what you gave this Sunday?