A POOR WIDOW BECOMES A BIG GIVER
MARK 12:41-44
MARK 12:41-44 NKJ
41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."
If this title appeared in a local newspaper, we could imagine that the story would involve a widow winning the lottery and donating to her church.
But there was no lottery in Jerusalem during Jesus' day.
He was watching how the people gave and acknowledged that many who were rich put in much. Jesus did not marginalize their giving.
But the one who really caught His attention was a poor widow who put in two very small copper coins. The NIV version says her offering was only worth a few cents. Her gifts caused Jesus to stop, call His disciples and have another teaching moment about how differently the kingdom of God operates.
Jesus said this poor widow put in more than everyone else who gave that day. This would include the rich who put in great quantities.
I bet the disciples were looking at each other and scratching their heads. Here he goes again with something that makes no sense at face value.
So, Jesus explained that the rich gave from their abundance, but the widow gave from her poverty all she had. If you give 20% of your income, that may add up to a large number. But it does not touch giving 100% if we are looking at the percentage given. Evidently, that is what Jesus was measuring. The percentage of what the individual had, not the total amount. So, this widow who gave 100% out gave everyone that day, and it caught the attention of Jesus.
APPLICATION:
The great news about this story is that in God's eyes, everyone can be a big giver. You may have come from poverty, or maybe you are still there. Your gifts can count as much as the richest person in the church, maybe even more. So don't ever feel embarrassed at the size of your gift. It's the percentage and the heart that God sees, and in the end, He is the one you want to please.
PRAYER:
Dear Father, thank You for receiving my gifts. It's an honor to give into Your kingdom.