Here Jesus seems to take a break. No teaching, no healing, just observing.
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury.
He sees many rich people give large sums. He isn’t impressed. Funny how Jesus never seems impressed by the same things that wow most people!
What Jesus finds extraordinary that day was the contribution of one poor widow - two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."
Jesus isn’t exaggerating when He says she put more into the treasury than all the others. What a revelation to students of Jesus! It’s not how much we give but how much we have left over after we give that gets God’s attention.
It’s not the quantity but the quality of our gift. And here the Teacher measures quality by the degree of sacrifice involved.
That’s why she is not embarrassed to hear her two little coins rattle around in the offering plate. It’s all she has to give! What an encouragement this widow is to all of us who often feel we have very little to offer.
Actually, we must strain to understand this unusual woman. It’s all she has to live on! What is she thinking? How great is her faith?
Very impressive! She got Jesus’ attention. And ours!
Because of her example, now students know how to please the Teacher also.
Jesus critiques the teachers of the law - and even mentions, they devour widows houses.
ReplyDeleteThese were supposed to be the religious leaders of their day - and Jesus isn't impressed.
What a contrast this widow is. She gives out of her poverty, and out of faith. As most would see, she doesn't give much because she hasn't much to offer - yet it is huge, because it is all.
Thanks for pointing out to us that what impresses Jesus didn't impress most others.
Of course Jesus had the advantage of seeing the heart!
So when we give, what is our heart like?
Do we give of firstfruits?
Do we give with joy and delight?
Do we give with faith?
Jesus knows!