a widow’s gift

photo by Benjamin Lehman on Unsplash

Jesus wasn’t just interested in what people put into the offering. His attention was focused on how.

“Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and began watching how people were putting money into the treasury.” Mark 12:41a NAS

Keep in mind that Jesus had just sounded an alarm to beware of ministry leaders with wrong motives. For the record, not all ministry leaders are out to exploit others for selfish gain. I know many with incredibly big hearts who serve out of love. That does not undo the fact that, in the mix of leadership, there are those with misguided intentions. If Jesus said, beware of this, then we need to be aware.

Jesus also taught: “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished.” Mark 12:38-40 NAS

This is when Jesus sat down and started watching the offering box. Mark 12:41 says, “There were crowds gathered that day, and many were rich people who put in large amounts.”

I could go many directions with today’s reflection, but I want to focus on one dear lady in that crowd; a poor widow who put in two small coins (often known as a widow’s mite).

"Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins." Mark 12:42

Her offering was nothing in comparison to the large gifts, but it got Jesus’ attention more than all the others. He called His disciples over and pointed her out.

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on." Mark 12:43-44 NLT

I wonder… Was this lady among the widows who had been cheated out of property by leaders who were takers and not true givers? The Bible does not specifically say. Most assuredly, though, she was among the vulnerable and easily exploited. Even if she had not personally been taken advantage of, such a mindset infiltrated the religious culture.

It’s incredible to me how… Wrong motives and mistreatment from others did not stop her from worshipping God! She didn’t just bring a little bit of money. She offered everything!

Imagine her pressing through the crowd of “superior” people. She was likely elbowed out of the way as one unseen, unimportant, and unworthy in human estimation. I wouldn’t doubt that some sneered at her, while others ignored her as non-existent.

Now look through Jesus’ focused eyes. He noticed, treasured, and counted her gift worthy of eternal recognition. And if anyone’s opinion mattered that day, it was the Lord’s.

Just as Heaven’s attention was on this poor widow, Heaven’s gaze is on you. He is watching to see how He might help. In this viewpoint, I have a few questions.

What is one thing that stands out to you from today’s reflection?

How does it apply to your life?

How does it seem that God wants to help?

I encourage you to pause and offer it all to the Lord.

I am trusting the Holy Spirit to touch your heart in a way that produces life, hope, and blessings.

As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary