Jesus notices the small gifts given with a whole heart.
“And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”Mark 12:43-44 (KJV)
What does “All she had” mean in Mark 12:43-44?
The poor widow gave two small coins, worth almost nothing. Jesus says that she gave more than all the others, because she gave everything she had.
Going deeper
On Tuesday of Holy Week, Jesus sat near the temple treasury and watched people put in their offerings. Many rich people gave large sums. A poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. He called His disciples over and told them that she had put in more than all the rest. The others gave out of their abundance. She gave out of her want all that she had, even all her living. Jesus measures gifts by what they cost the giver.
Notice that no one else noticed. She did not know that anyone was watching, and she gave anyway. It is a great encouragement to those who feel that their small offerings do not matter. They matter to Him. This week, consider what you can give, however small, with a whole heart. It might be a modest gift of money, a few minutes of attention, or a simple act of help. God sees what is given in love and counts it as very great.
Reflect
What small gift could you give this week with your whole heart?
Pray
Lord, You see what is given in secret. Receive my small offerings, and teach me to give with a whole heart. In Jesus' name, amen.
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