The Widow's Gift

And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44 ESV).

 

When you think about generosity in giving, who comes to your mind? You've likely heard of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who runs the largest foundation in the world. You may also know about the generosity of Warren Buffet, who pledged the largest stock donation ever. Perhaps you think about Taylor Swift or other celebrities. Whoever comes to your mind we cannot deny that today's major philanthropists are very rich, their names are well known.

 

When Mark in his Gospel writes about giving, he draws our attention to someone who is poor, nameless, and a widow. On her way to the temple treasury, she follows some wealthy and seemingly generous people. They give much greater amounts, but Jesus says she makes the most generous donation! Somehow her gift of two small copper coins is more generous than the gifts of the wealthy.

 

We don't have to be rich to make a generous donation for the Lord. True giving means more than simply opening our wallet or writing a big check. It's about unlocking our hearts to God first and then fully trusting him in everything, including our financial well-being.

 

Jesus expects us to be generous when serving him, and he has every right to demand that. Just a few days after he met the widow, Jesus gave up his life, the most generous and loving act in all of history. That's why he rejoiced about the widow's generosity. That's why he calls us to be generous and sacrificial today.