Listen

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I assure you that this poor widow has put in more than everyone who’s been putting money in the treasury. All of them are giving out of their spare change. But she from her hopeless poverty has given everything she had, even what she needed to live on.”

Mark 12:43-44

Think

In the conclusion to this popular children’s Sunday School story, Jesus praises the widow for her sacrificial giving. However, given that this story is introduced with a warning against the rich show-offs, we do the passage a disservice when we stop with the widow and skip over the rich men and the legal scholars.

Why is the widow giving the last of her money anyway? Are the legal scholars twisting the words of the scriptures about giving and pressuring people like her to give more than they can afford? The Hebrew scriptures talk an awful lot about helping those in need, with widows and orphans usually at the top of the list.

By praising this widow, Jesus is acknowledging her faith, but I don’t think he is saying that this is what every poor person should do. It is equally important to recognize that sacrificial giving should be done at all levels, without exploiting those who have less.

Ann Wells

Pray

God, may I always be mindful of those in need. Instead of showing off with my giving, help me to take care of others as best I can and to give what I can for the advancement of your kingdom. Amen.

Go

If you cannot give your thousands,
You can give the widow’s mite;
What you truly give for Jesus
Will be precious in His sight.

Daniel March in “Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling” (1868)