š¹ Story 1: Lazarus and the Rich Man
Main Characters: Lazarus (poor man), unnamed rich man, Abraham
Story Summary: Lazarus, a beggar covered in sores, sat at the gate of a rich manās house longing for scraps. In death, Lazarus was carried to Abrahamās side, while the rich man faced torment.
Key Verses: Luke 16:19ā31
Theme Connection: God honours the poor who trust in Him, while earthly riches without mercy lead to eternal consequences.
š¹ Story 2: The Widowās Offering
Main Characters: Poor widow, Jesus, crowd
Story Summary: A poor widow gave two small coins at the templeāeverything she had. Jesus praised her generosity, saying she gave more than all the wealthy.
Key Verses: Mark 12:41ā44; Luke 21:1ā4
Theme Connection: God values sacrificial giving from the heart more than the size of the gift.
š¹ Story 3: Bartimaeus the Blind Beggar
Main Characters: Bartimaeus, Jesus, crowd
Story Summary: Blind Bartimaeus sat begging outside Jericho. When Jesus passed by, he cried out persistently for healing. Jesus stopped, healed him, and commended his faith.
Key Verses: Mark 10:46ā52
Theme Connection: The cries of the poor are heard by Jesusāfaith, not status, brings healing.
š¹ Story 4: Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath
Main Characters: Elijah, poor widow, her son
Story Summary: During a famine, Elijah asked a poor widow to share her last meal. She did so in faith, and God multiplied her flour and oil, sustaining her family.
Key Verses: 1 Kings 17:8ā16
Theme Connection: God honours and provides for the poor who act in faith, even in scarcity.
š¹ Story 5: Elisha and the Widowās Oil
Main Characters: Elisha, poor widow, her sons
Story Summary: A widow was in danger of losing her sons to slavery due to debt. Elisha told her to gather jars, and God miraculously multiplied her small jar of oil to pay off her debts.
Key Verses: 2 Kings 4:1ā7
Theme Connection: God cares deeply for the poor and provides practical solutions through obedience and faith.
š¹ Story 6: Ruth Gleaning in the Fields
Main Characters: Ruth, Boaz, Naomi
Story Summary: As a poor foreign widow, Ruth gleaned leftover grain to feed herself and Naomi. Boaz noticed her humility and kindness and later became her redeemer.
Key Verses: Ruth 2ā4
Theme Connection: God sees and rewards the dignity and faith of the poor and marginalized.
š¹ Story 7: Jesus Fed the Hungry Crowds
Main Characters: Jesus, disciples, hungry multitudes
Story Summary: When large crowds gathered to hear Jesus, they had no food. Jesus compassionately fed themā5,000 men with loaves and fish, and later 4,000 more.
Key Verses: Matthew 14:13ā21; 15:32ā39
Theme Connection: Jesus meets both spiritual and physical needsāespecially of the poor and hungry.
š¹ Story 8: Job Defended the Rights of the Poor
Main Characters: Job, poor and needy
Story Summary: In defending his integrity, Job described how he had always cared for the poor, widows, and orphans. His compassion was part of his righteousness.
Key Verses: Job 29:12ā17; 31:16ā23
Theme Connection: A righteous life includes generosity, justice, and advocacy for the poor.
š¹ Story 9: Peter and John Healed a Lame Beggar
Main Characters: Peter, John, lame beggar, Jesus
Story Summary: A beggar sat at the temple gate asking for money. Peter said, āSilver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give youā¦ā and healed him in Jesusā name.
Key Verses: Acts 3:1ā10
Theme Connection: The poor may receive more than material helpāGod offers healing and transformation.
š¹ Story 10: The Macedonian Churches Gave Out of Poverty
Main Characters: Macedonian believers, Paul
Story Summary: Though facing extreme poverty, the Macedonian churches begged Paul for the privilege of giving to others in need. Their generosity overflowed from joyful hearts.
Key Verses: 2 Corinthians 8:1ā5
Theme Connection: Even the poor can be rich in generosityāGod honours cheerful and sacrificial giving.
š¹ Key Bible Passages for the Theme
- Proverbs 19:17
- Psalm 34:6
- James 2:5ā6
- Matthew 5:3
- Luke 6:20ā21
- Isaiah 58:6ā10
- Deuteronomy 15:7ā11
- Galatians 2:10
- 1 Samuel 2:8
- Luke 4:18