Mark 12:41-44—And he sat down opposite the treasury and
watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in
large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make
a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to
you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the
offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of
her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
The widow in this passage demonstrates her wholehearted
devotion to God by offering Him all she has.
What must have gone through this widow’s mind as she prepared to give
this offering? Was she wondering how she
would eat without any money to purchase food?
Was she worried that she would have no way to provide for herself
because she was giving all her money back to God? Was she nervous that others would ridicule
her small offering? Based on Jesus’ reaction,
it doesn’t seem like she was thinking any of those things. If she had any worries about how to survive,
they were wiped away by trusting that God always provides. Additionally, because her gift was about
honoring God, not pleasing others, she likely didn’t care what others thought
of it. When we give tithes and offerings
to God, we say at least three things: (1) Thank you, God, for providing for me;
(2) I know that nothing I have comes from my own hand—it all comes from you,
God; and (3) It is a privilege and honor to return a portion of those blessings
you have given me. Our offering is
something personal between us and God—it doesn’t matter what anyone else
thinks, and we certainly shouldn’t give large offerings just for show. When we give, we should do it to honor God
because we trust Him to provide and we want to thank Him for all He has done.
Today as you pray and meditate on this passage, consider the
blessings in your life. Give praise to
God and thank Him for providing for your needs. Prayerfully consider your
offering practices and ask God to take any fears, worries, and anxieties away. Open your Heart to His calling and pray for a
cheerful giving spirit.
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