“All She Had To Live On”

As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

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. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Mark 12:38-44

Jesus saw that the woman had the proper attitude toward living. Just remember, no matter how rich or poor we are, we need to have the dignity of being able to give to Jesus Christ. Giving can benefit the giver more than the receiver. We all know that there are those who need financial help, but the need to give may be as large as the need to receive.

Giving offers us a way to express our confidence that God will care for us just as He cares for the sparrow and the lily.

We disarm the power of money by giving it away.

Our Daily Bread – November 8, 2013