Why the Poor Widow’s Offering Is Important Today

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Third Edition

Gospel Mark 12:41–44 Neighbor

Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and watched how the people were putting money into it. Many rich people gave a lot. Then a poor widow came and put two small coins, which make a very small coin. Jesus called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All the others have put in out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty put in all she had, all she needed to live on.” (Mark 12:41–44 Third Edition)

Introduction

Introduction

The New Testament Gospel of Mark contains a small but powerful account of the poor widow’s two small coins. This simple act so deeply impressed Jesus that he brought it out for all to hear. This story challenges our understanding of giving, sacrifice, and our relationship with God.

Jesus sat across from the offering box in the temple in Jerusalem and watched as people put money into it. The rich donated large sums, while a poor widow stepped forward and put only two mites in the box. This situation emphasized that it is not all about the size of the donation; sometimes a small gift can be greater than a large sum given without feeling moved.

The Widow and Her Offering

The poor widow’s offering was special because she gave all she had to live on. The rich might have given large sums, but their offering might have been only a fraction of their surplus. However, the widow offered her entire life as a demonstration of trust in God. Isaiah 57:15 says: “He is high and exalted, who dwells forever, but also with the poor and the lowly.”

The widow’s offering is an example of how we can trust God in all things. This woman’s simple act is a reminder that a gift to God depends more on the attitude of the heart than on its financial value. The heart of this story is the idea that deeper trust in God brings peace, even when we are surrounded by financial challenges.

The Rich When They Offered

Jesus did not question the large donations made by the rich, but he did point out that their motives could be wrong. Wealthy donors may give large sums simply to look good or to be the center of attention. Jesus emphasized that “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.” This indicated that the value of a donation is not determined solely by its monetary value.

For example, consider the modern era: many large donors give millions to charity, but they may be driven by a desire to market themselves or improve their public image. On the other hand, people on low incomes who give a modest gift may truly be giving from the heart. The impact of such sacrifices can be deeper than just money.

Trust in God

The widow’s offering teaches us how important it is to trust God completely. She didn’t just give something, she gave her entire life into God’s hands. Jesus said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow; it will take care of itself.” This idea is especially important in our daily lives, where many may struggle with uncertainty. Trusting in God challenges us to ask ourselves how we give and what we sacrifice to God and to others. I can share an example from my own life: I was once unsure if I could give financially for the good of others. But through this widow’s story, I realized that even small acts of love can make a big difference.

Sacrifice and Love

Today, Christians are not given specific sacrificial obligations like those in the Old Testament, but the apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Romans that “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” This means that giving does not have to be just about money, but also about our time, energy, and talents in God’s work. The theme becomes profound when we realize that sacrifice is much more than just financial support. The widow is an example for us of prayer and closeness to God. Her sacrifice shows that she made God the center of her life, and this pattern is still relevant today.

The Widow’s Impact Today

The poor widow’s sacrifice is still relevant in today’s world. It calls us to live lives that serve others, not just ourselves. The widow’s story challenges us to ask where we put our trust. Is it in money? In worldly power? Or in God, who calls us to love and serve others?

Her story reminds us that even the most humble person can do great things in their love. The widow opened the door to a profound spiritual insight: sacrifice can come from the heart, even when financial resources are limited.

Social Considerations

Today, many face economic challenges, and the lessons of this story are more relevant than ever. Even small acts can be meaningful when done with love and a pure heart. We can learn from the widow and understand that no one is too small or poor to do great things in their love. The widow’s offering of two mites reminds us that God sees our hearts and intentions. When we give with pure love, we make a significant impact on the world around us.

Conclusion

The poor widow’s offering at the temple in Jerusalem is a story about more than just money or giving. It lives on as an example of faithfulness, trust, and love for God, and it challenges us to think about how we live our lives. Jesus highlighted this widow because giving is not just about money; it is an attitude of the heart. This story makes us wonder if we are giving our lives to meaningful causes. When we begin to trust God like the widow, we can live a life filled with love, goodness, and compassion. We hope this message inspires us all to give more, not just in money, but also in love and faith.