Tuesday 18 August, 2015

41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

What a contrast! The rich and the poor placing their offerings in the Temple treasury. As Jesus observed this scene, he recognised the true nature of the situation. He was fully aware of the difference between the large contributions of the rich and the tiny offering of the poor widow.

With his unique perception, Jesus told his disciples that the widow’s offering was worth far more than all the other contributions. Verse 44 records Jesus estimation of the offerings. “They gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on!”

In 2 Corinthians 8:12 Paul captures the essence of the teaching Jesus gave to his disciples at the Temple. He wrote,“for if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”

It makes you think doesn’t it? When I am about to put my offering in the offering bag is my gift worthy of the Jesus and his kingdom? There is nothing legalistic about the teaching the disciples received on that occasion. Jesus is not necessarily impressed by large contributions, but He is impressed when my gift is given from my heart in devotion to him.

Lord, let every gift I give be heartfelt, worthy of the Lord Jesus, no matter what the sacrifice might be.

Written by Keith Bennett