The Widow’s Mite: (Mark 12:41-44 Luke 21:1-4)
In the times of Jesus, people would donate money to the temple/synagogue by bringing their money and dropping it into the treasury containers. The location was an open-air area of the temple where people would walk by and drop their money into the containers and others could hang out and observe who was putting in money and how much by the sounds of the coins dropping into the containers.
Jesus and His disciples were there and He was observing the activities of the moment. He saw many wealthy people drop a lot of money and then noticed a poor widow. She gave two mites, which is the lowest denomination of money, about a penny or less today. Jesus called His disciples and pointed out that this widow had given more than all of the rich people who had donated large sums of money. He pointed out that she had given all she had and the rich gave of their abundance. It didn’t affect the rich, because they had plenty of money left over. This widow truly sacrificed because she gave all she had and had nothing left. She had no husband who could support her and had no other money left to live on.
The Bible doesn’t go on and report what happened to the widow after she gave all she had. We can only look at other stories in the Bible for references. We know that Jesus cared for people, especially widows. A few weeks ago we shared the story of Jesus having compassion on a widow who had just lost her only son. During the funeral procession, Jesus raises the son from the dead and he is returned to his mother. The Bible speaks of God being the Father of the fatherless and the protector of widows and instructs us to help them. (Psalm 68:5; Psalm 82:3; Isa. 1:17)
The point that Jesus is making is not how much you give, but the faith you have in what you give even when it is sacrificial. He looks at the heart and knows your needs. He wants you to give in faith. Look at Luke 6:38 for the promise is when you give, it will be given back to you and we know our God is generous. The Bible also speaks that when you give to the poor you are lending to the Lord and He always repays. (Proverbs 19:17)
Personal Development Tip of the week:
I heard someone once say, “The Secret to Living is Giving”. Not just of your money but of your time, effort, or anything you can do for someone else.
When you focus on helping others in any way you can it’s hard not to feel good. It’s when we focus on ourselves and what’s wrong or missing in our lives we feel bad.
With 3 months left in the year, ask yourself each day, how can I give into someone else’s life today? Even as simple as calling someone up on the phone and letting them know how much you care about them.
Prayer for the week:
Thank you, Lord, for another great week. Bless us to have a great month this month of October. Guide us, direct us and help us grow and be cheerful givers in everything we do. Protect us from the top of our head t o the bottom of our feet in Jesus name amen!
-Dayne
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The Widow's Mite