She Gave Everything
04 Oct 2022Little Devotionals (Ann)
“Women of the Bible” series by Ann Little
In Mark 12:41-44 we see a very short story about a widow:
“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 fraction of a penny.”
The contrast between the rich people and the poor widow was startling. How happy the temple religious leaders must have been to see the offerings of the wealthy. They were noticed by everyone. However, no one noticed the widow as she quietly made her way to the treasury to give her two small coins.
In Mark 12:41-44 we see a very short story about a widow:
“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 fraction of a penny.”
The contrast between the rich people and the poor widow was startling. How happy the temple religious leaders must have been to see the offerings of the wealthy. They were noticed by everyone. However, no one noticed the widow as she quietly made her way to the treasury to give her two small coins.
***** (continued)
Widows were some of the most helpless of society, unable to work to make a living, without a husband’s support. She may have been dependent on handouts from other family members or on what little she as a woman could do to earn money.
“Jesus watched…”
No one else probably saw her. She was small, insignificant and alone. But Jesus did. He also knew more; her offering was all she had!
“Calling his disciples to him”
She became an example for the disciples to follow; an illustration in an important lesson that Jesus wanted to teach them.
“I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.”
This must have been a most shocking statement for the disciples to hear. How could 2 small coins (valued less than 1 yen) compare to the bags of money the rich were offering? Why would Jesus praise this widow for her offering in front of all the disciples and others who were listening?
“They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything — all she had to live on.”
Here is the truth: she gave everything! The wealthy returned to nice homes and more money, but she returned to her poverty, and her deep devotion to God.
Jesus sees us and knows us, too! Nothing goes unnoticed by him, especially our devotion to him.