stephen R Harrison

“Among the Rich”

“All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth, 

but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

-Luke 21:4

Holy Tuesday of Passion Week (Holy Week) was an eventful day. The Pharisees and Sadducees challenged Jesus about marriage in heaven, taxes, and his authority (Luke 20:1-20:4). He spoke seven “woes” to the religious Pharisees (Matthew 23:13-36). He preached his Olivet Discourse (Luke 21:5-36). Think about the fullness of that day. The thought of confronting the religious elite is enough to wear me out. The Olivet Discourse was a very serious teaching on Jesus’ Second Coming, end-time events, and an encouragement to persevere in the face of opposition and hostility. Talk about a busy day!

Among the many confrontations and eschatology, one simple event could have been overlooked. As Jesus taught in the temple, Luke 21:1-4 records his observation of rich people placing their offerings in the temple treasury. Among the rich was one poor widow offering her gift. Several offering receptacles were located in the Women’s Court for people to deposit money. As the rich passed by, making a show of their large gifts, a widow gave two small coins (mites – the smallest denomination). Jesus noted she gave out of her poverty – all she had to live on (v. 4), whereas the rich gave out of their overflow (leftovers that wouldn’t be missed).

Jesus observed the widow’s extravagant gift. By man’s standards, it equaled a penny. What can you buy for a penny? To Jesus, she had given more than anyone else. The rich would still be rich after their gifts, but the widow would have nothing. This was a great sacrifice, which the rich had not yet begun to match. God saw the size of her generosity, not the size of her gift. The woman gave in faith that God could use everything she had, even if it were very minuscule. While the religious elite “devoured widows’ houses” (Mark 12:40), no one had to take it from this widow as she willingly gave it in worship.

With all the events surrounding the last week of Jesus’ life, this seems like one that even Jesus could have missed. Weren’t there more important teachings and happenings taking place? Not to Jesus. If it had been my last week, I most likely would have overlooked or cared less about a measly penny and much less an insignificant widow. Jesus, however, didn’t let the Pharisee’s questions or hypocrisy distract him from the most important things. He would confront them, but he saw her. She was not forgotten. Jesus came for the poor in spirit, the marginalized, and the outcast. It wasn’t her gift that was of great value – it was her. During his most trying week, he didn’t forget the forgotten. He noticed those less noticed. He loved the least.

During Lent, let us reflect on Jesus’ admiration of the widow’s worship. She trusted God with everything, and she was everything to God. Those with nothing to offer Jesus will receive the greatest reward—salvation. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Questions: 

Why do we often attempt to “outdo” the service and generosity of others?

According to this story, what is Jesus most concerned about?

Prayer:

Jesus, you gave us so much on the cross. You were not consumed with yourself during your busiest and most trying week. You saw more than the widow’s gift; you saw her. Thank you for seeing us when we had nothing to offer you. You have everything to offer us. In return, we offer you all our lives in thanksgiving and praise. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Read: 

Luke 21:1-4

Action Step:

The widow’s generosity and trust in God is an example for us to follow. God doesn’t want all our possessions…he wants to possess all of us. Allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Does he have all of you? Have you returned to him every part of your life in full?