Daily Devotional for Monday, May 4

The Widow’s Mites

“And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all,”Luke 21:3.

Jesus was in His last week of ministry before His crucifixion. Tensions were growing, and everyone was hanging on His every word. The religious leaders were looking to trap Him. They even sent spies into the crowd to listen for anything they could use against Him.

In the Temple, Jesus watched as worshipers brought their offerings. In the parallel passage in Mark 12, Mark records that many rich people put in large sums of money. They loved to hear the extended clanging of their coins, and no doubt, the religious leaders loved that cha-ching as well. Much praise and attention was given to those with deep pockets. Preference and honor accompanied their generosity.

As Jesus watched the scene, He knew exactly what each household gave. He knew what percentage of their income they were contributing. I am sure He watched the scene with a sigh of sadness, especially when the poor came along and added their meager offerings to the box and received no recognition at all, but quite possibly disdainful looks down the noses of the wealthy.

A poor widow came along with a move that made history. She remains unnamed and unknown, yet, she has taught God’s people for two millenia. Jesus praised her when her leaders ignored her. With His divine knowledge, He knew she gave more percentage-wise than the wealthiest worshiper that day. The wealthy contributed from their abundance, but she gave all she had. In her poverty, she gave what she had to live on in worship to her God.

God gave us examples of this kind of giving as acts of true worship. The widow in Zarephath (1 Kings 17) showed faith in feeding God’s man first even in her poverty. The churches in Macedonia gave out of their deep poverty (2 Corinthians 8) as a result of God’s sweet grace. This kind of sacrificial giving attracts the heart of God.

THOUGHT

Do you give God all you have?

Kelli Reynolds