A Verse
Mark 12:41-44
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, 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.”
A Comment
Almost everyone is familiar with the story of the widow’s mite. When we see the widow giving out of her poverty, we are stirred with emotion and inspiration to put our trust wholly in God. Yet, while almost everyone is familiar with the widow’s story, almost everyone tends to miss Jesus’ reference to her story as an indictment of the religious leaders of his day.
In the verses that precede the story of the widow’s offering, Jesus issues this warning: “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely” (Mark 12:38-40).
People assumed that God was most pleased with the people who gave out of their abundance, yet they did not give sacrificially like the widow who contributed little in comparison but made a genuine sacrifice in her offering. Furthermore, by pointing out the widow’s offering, Jesus was showing how people who “devour widows’ houses” are in their midst. Instead of the people taking care of the widows, they were taking advantage of them.
Thus, on Tuesday of that Holy Week, Jesus magnified the sacrificial generosity of the widow while rebuking the greedy exploitation of those working in the temple. The generosity of the widow and the greed of the religious leaders did not escape Jesus’ eyes. Judgment was coming for those who had exploited the poor who had already begun to hear the good news of God’s Kingdom preached to them by Jesus.
A Prayer
O’ LORD, stir us to give generously, without greed. Help us walk in the footsteps of the widow while shunning the way of those religious leaders who would attempt to exploit her. Let us behold Your generosity in Christ to us, and be cheerful givers, for Your glory and the good of others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Blessing
Now the Savior who died,
who lives and who reigns,
grant you joy in labor, peace in
troubles, hope in despair, and
faithfulness in temptation. Amen.
From Grace Be with You: Benedictions from Dale Ralph Davis
The Widow's Offering