Mark 12: 41-44 says, Jesus watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But the poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Jesus said to his disciples, “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.” (Paraphrased)
Why did Jesus commend the widow?
Jesus commended the widow’s mite not on the grounds of quantum, but of its value to her. The widow gave everything, not only her money, but all her survival depended on including everything her life depended on. Jesus said the widow out of her poverty had given everything – all she had to live on. Ecclesiastes 11: 1 says cast your bread upon the waters; after many days you may receive a return.
The poor widow knew the principles of divine investment, and applied herself to it, not expecting immediate gain but future unrestrained returns as the Lord pleased. She judged rightly not as to the amount but the heart from the circumstances which she gave to the Lord. What other circumstances influenced her offering which she gave to God?
She put God first above her personal needs
She did not succumb to human logic or reasoning, but divine love for her maker. Paul said in Romans 14: 7-8, for none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. If our lives belong to God in truth, then our wealth and all we have also belong to God. This is how we must relate to God in giving. Haggai 2: 8 says, “The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty.
She depended on God for her sustenance
Jeremiah 49: 11 says, “Leave your fatherless children; I will keep them alive. Your widows too can depend on me. The poor widow knew scripture that widows and the fatherless must depend on God as he has promised and she did so. David also wrote in Psalm 62: 7, my salvation and my honour depend on God; he is my mighty rock and refuge. God is trustworthy and unfailing in his promise. Psalm 23: 1 says, the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Once the widow trusted God, she knew she would not want even if she had nothing for her sustenance.
She was grateful to God
Even in her double agonizing state of poverty and widowhood, she appreciated God. She was not discouraged by her circumstances. She knew the future was in God’s perfect hands. Psalm 18: 30; 2Samuel 22: 31 say, as for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. With that knowledge, she gave cheerfully. Psalm 100: 4 says, enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. She did not complain but showed gratitude without any grudge. Romans 8: 28 says, and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
She knew God’s interest
She knew that in spite of her circumstances, God was interested in our heart, not the quantum of giving. Jeremiah 17: 10 says, “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” She gave to God as she found befitting unto God from her heart. 1Chronicles 29: 17 says, I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. Proverbs 21: 2 says a person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart. She was not moved by her predicament. Paul says in 1Corinthians 2: 16, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. We must always seek the mind of Christ.
She believed in scripture
She believed in scripture that her circumstance was temporary by God’s design. It could therefore not alter her relationship with God. Psalm 91: 3-4 say, surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampant. No awkward situation is permanent before God for his children. Therefore, Psalm 37: 5-6 says, commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
She obeyed scripture
Knowing scripture is different from obeying scripture. The poor widow obeyed scripture in the Lord. 1Thessalonians 5: 18 says, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. She gave thanks offering to God in spite of her circumstances. She had none to care or provide for her yet she obeyed scripture. God was thus pleased with her attitude of obedience to him. The widow’s circumstance was intense yet she obeyed God’s will in utmost humility. Will we remain faithful to God in trying circumstances? Philippians 4: 13 says, “I can do all things through him (Christ) who gives me strength.” May Christ Jesus commend us when the time comes.
She exercised unbridled faith
The poor widow showed unbridled faith in the Lord. Psalm 125: 1 says, those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. The poor widow remained firm even in adversity. James 1: 2 says, consider it our joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Paul recast this in Romans 8: 39, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rather than losing faith, she gave an offering of all she had.
Reflection
The woman was not only poor, but a widow as well. The passage shows that he had none to care for her. Yet she gave everything her life depended on to God. No one can do this unless inspired by the Holy Spirit in faith and obedience. We need discernment and wisdom in times of giving. Our relationship with Jesus and our knowledge of him, and what scripture says also matter. May we be attentive to the Holy Spirit in giving, and how to stand firm in the Lord in times of trials and temptations. Keep faith in God!
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, give us a heart of giving, not counting the cost but your will. Help us to appreciate your word which says in Acts 20: 35, ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive.’ We acknowledge your dying on the cross for our redemption. Help us to give our hearts to you in your blessed Holy name, Amen!!
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