🔹 Story 1: The Rich Young Ruler Challenged to Give All
Main Characters: Jesus, rich young ruler
Story Summary: A wealthy man asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him to sell all he had, give to the poor, and follow Him. The man went away sorrowful, unwilling to part with his wealth.
Key Verses: Matthew 19:16–26; Mark 10:17–27
Theme Connection: True discipleship often requires releasing earthly possessions to follow God fully.
🔹 Story 2: Zacchaeus Gave Half of His Wealth to the Poor
Main Characters: Zacchaeus, Jesus
Story Summary: After encountering Jesus, Zacchaeus repented of his greed and promised to give half his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he had wronged fourfold.
Key Verses: Luke 19:1–10
Theme Connection: A genuine encounter with Jesus transforms the heart and leads to joyful generosity.
🔹 Story 3: The Poor Widow Gave All She Had
Main Characters: Widow, Jesus, temple crowd
Story Summary: A poor widow put two small coins into the temple treasury. Jesus praised her, saying she gave more than all the rich because she gave everything she had.
Key Verses: Mark 12:41–44; Luke 21:1–4
Theme Connection: God sees the heart behind giving—sacrificial generosity matters more than amount.
🔹 Story 4: Barnabas Sold His Land to Support Believers
Main Characters: Barnabas, apostles, early church
Story Summary: In the early church, Barnabas sold a field he owned and laid the money at the apostles’ feet to support the needs of others.
Key Verses: Acts 4:36–37
Theme Connection: Generosity fuelled the early church’s mission—giving was a visible sign of love and unity.
🔹 Story 5: Early Believers Shared All They Had
Main Characters: Believers in Jerusalem, apostles
Story Summary: After Pentecost, the believers shared their possessions and sold property to care for each other. No one among them was in need.
Key Verses: Acts 2:42–47; Acts 4:32–35
Theme Connection: Kingdom-minded community is marked by radical generosity and mutual care.
🔹 Story 6: Mary Anointed Jesus with Expensive Perfume
Main Characters: Mary of Bethany, Jesus, Judas Iscariot
Story Summary: Mary poured out costly perfume on Jesus’ feet as an act of worship. Though others criticized her, Jesus praised her for honouring Him before His death.
Key Verses: John 12:1–8
Theme Connection: Extravagant generosity in worship reflects deep love and recognition of Christ’s worth.
🔹 Story 7: The Macedonian Churches Gave in Extreme Poverty
Main Characters: Macedonian believers, Paul
Story Summary: Despite their poverty and affliction, the Macedonians gave generously to support other believers. Paul praised them as an example of grace-filled giving.
Key Verses: 2 Corinthians 8:1–5
Theme Connection: True giving flows from joy and faith, not surplus—it’s a grace, not a duty.
🔹 Story 8: The Woman of Shunem Provided a Room for Elisha
Main Characters: Shunammite woman, Elisha
Story Summary: A wealthy woman provided Elisha a furnished upper room for his travels. God later rewarded her generosity with the miraculous birth of a son.
Key Verses: 2 Kings 4:8–17
Theme Connection: Using personal resources to bless God’s servants invites divine reward.
🔹 Story 9: The Disciples Left Everything to Follow Jesus
Main Characters: Peter, James, John, other disciples
Story Summary: When Jesus called the disciples, they left behind careers, possessions, and family to follow Him. Their sacrifice laid the foundation for the Church.
Key Verses: Matthew 4:18–22; Luke 5:1–11
Theme Connection: Following Jesus often involves surrendering material security for eternal purpose.
🔹 Story 10: Joseph of Arimathea Gave His Tomb for Jesus
Main Characters: Joseph of Arimathea, Jesus
Story Summary: A wealthy man and secret disciple, Joseph gave his own new tomb for Jesus’ burial after the crucifixion, honouring the Savior in death.
Key Verses: Matthew 27:57–60
Theme Connection: Generosity in key moments can fulfil prophecy and reveal devotion to Christ.
🔹 Key Bible Passages for the Theme
- Matthew 6:19–21
- 2 Corinthians 9:6–8
- Proverbs 11:24–25
- Luke 12:33–34
- Acts 20:35
- 1 Timothy 6:17–19
- Luke 14:33
- Hebrews 13:16
- Deuteronomy 15:10
- Psalm 112:5