Week 16: Tuesday, The Haves and Have Nots

On more than one occasion, Jesus said, “You always have the poor withyou” (Matthew 26:11; Mark 14:7; John 12:8). Throughout Scripture, wesee God’s consistent concern for those who are less fortunate. He builtdebt-forgiveness into the Hebrew calendar (Deuteronomy 15:1–11). Heensured that gleanings from the fields were left for the poor(Deuteronomy 24:19–21). He cared for the widow and the orphan (Psalm68:5). God deeply valued the vulnerable and expected His people to begenerous toward them.