Mark 12:38-44 (NRSV)
Read Mark 12:38-44 on biblegateway.com
Verse 38As he taught, he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, Verse 39and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! Verse 40They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."
Verse 41He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. Verse 42A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Verse 43Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. Verse 44For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."
Devotion
The widow gave her two cents’ worth to the temple treasury, not as advice or criticism, but as a sign of her complete, loving comment to God. Often when our congregation or church does or says something we don’t like, we withhold our gifts or designate them toward that which we deem more worthy.
The widow’s faith is an amazing witness of living in the kingdom of God. Jesus says she did not give out of her abundance but out of her poverty. She didn’t give half of all she had—she gave all she had. He identified with her faithful witness, for he knew the day was coming when he would pour out all he had so that all would have abundant life.
Consider how many see the way we give. What does this say about our calling to live out the gospel?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, the world watches how we as Christians give of ourselves. The kingdom of God is closer than we know. May we learn to empty ourselves with gladness and joy from our abundance, trusting that it is in giving that we receive. Amen.