A Mighty Mite
Not a little bit. Everything. A poor widow gave her all.
Quiet dignity could describe this white-haired woman who shuffled her way to the offering plate. In her arthritic hand, she clutched two precious copper coins. Near the table, she paused, then dropped the money into the receptacle. "Tink. Tink."
With her shoulders back, at least as far as the stoop would allow, she passed the elaborately robed religious leaders guarding the temple treasure and disappeared into the crowd.
Others might have mocked her pitiful contribution. Not Jesus. He watched the procession of people giving their tithes. While many rich citizens threw in lots of money with smug smiles, Jesus remained unimpressed with their showy display.
“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others,” Jesus said to his disciples. “They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on” (Mark 12:43 NIV).
Reflection about this passage made me wonder how Jesus knew the woman’s situation. Had he seen her in the area while he ministered to others? Had someone praised her, pointing out faithful service?
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV).
Jesus knew her need, and he knew her heart. I believe he later made arrangements to bless her in a special way.
Maybe when she returned home, she found a loaf of fresh bread, eggs and goat’s cheese from a neighbor whom Jesus had prompted to share. Maybe the next day, a cousin dropped off extra garden produce. I wish we knew the rest of her story.
What we do know is we choose what to offer to God. Do we give the bare minimum, fearing a financial pinch ahead? Do we prioritize our pleasure and go through the motions of giving without inconveniencing ourselves?
Rather than being concerned with looking good, we need to do good.
“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives” (Titus 3:14 NIV).
Today’s prayer:
Dear Lord, please unclench my hand from assets I selfishly grip. Soften my heart to share where greater needs are, and by doing so, convince others of Your love.
Image credit to Sallie Plotts for the ancient coin.
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