Day 26 - The Widow's Gift

by Jane McAfee

Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4

As the scene opens, Jesus takes a seat where he has a view of the temple’s treasury. He observes the crowds and he watches them put in their money. Lots of people. Lots of money, especially from the rich. Then a widow enters, and makes her way through the crowds and offers two small coins.

And Jesus sees her.

We turn to look at her too, and realize she is noticeable because she is different from the others. But she is also not worth noticing. After all, she is just a woman, a widow, and obviously very poor. But now that we’ve seen her, we can’t unsee her. Who is she? Where did she come from? Why is she so poor? How old is she? We start asking each other, “Why isn’t she working?” “Why doesn’t her family help her?” “Why is she here?”

Whatever the details, it seems safe to say this woman knows she can’t make it on her own. She is done with trying. She realizes only God can help. He is her only hope. Not a hope as in a wish, but a sure hope. She resolves to be all in with him and purposefully takes her last two coins and heads out. When she finally arrives at the temple, she makes her way through the crowds and in the midst of these people who are all wealthier and more influential than she is, she doesn’t waiver. She puts in her last two cents.

Jesus sees her and he moves into action. He calls his disciples over and he points her out. Her? Not the rich men? Not the ones giving huge amounts of money? No. He has seen her! Does she see him? Does she hear what he is saying? Does he approach her? What is he saying? Why is he talking about her? What? Is it possible that Jesus sees this widow’s minuscule gift as significant?

“Truly this widow has given a greater gift than any other contribution. All the others gave a little out of their great abundance, but this poor woman has given God everything she has.” – Mark 12:43-44

The others gave what they could afford. She gave what she couldn’t afford. Jesus saw her. Do we see her? Do we see what Jesus sees? Do we see others how Jesus sees them? Do we rely on Jesus for everything and with everything? She was all in! Am I all in? Are you?

Prayer

Lord God, I come to you longing to have the heart of this widow. I want to be all in with you. Thank you that you see me and you know all about me, even the parts that are resistant to you. Open my heart to give beyond my abundance. Open my eyes to see others with your eyes.

Amen.