The Widow's Coins
And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: ~Luke 21:3
Back in the day, it was very difficult to be a widow woman. Being a widow was considered a plight of poverty. With her husband gone, a widow basically lived in survival mode and got by with what she could. Her clothing, frugal lifestyle, and branding by society indicated that her life was hard. Jesus refers to a poor widow woman as an example for us. This woman is an example of sacrifice and devotion.
We see this widow woman and her poverty.
She was poor and lived from hand to mouth. Every morsel that she put in her mouth was precious. She did not know from day to day where her means of sustenance would come from. It was unlikely that she would ever remarry. However, instead of complaining, this woman is an example of devotion. She was blessed because she was poor in spirit. Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Her understanding of her plight made her more appreciative of the little things. She had a kingdom perspective of her life and not just an economic perspective. She was a humble and non-assuming person. She was a woman committed to being diligent and responsible. Poverty made her a better person.
We see this widow woman and her participation.
The focus was on her offering. We are told that she cast in her two mites. A mite was the smallest and least significant monetary coin in circulation in that day. It is like two copper pennies in our day. When money was cast into the treasure, it went into a tube-like cylinder that was made of metal. The sound of the coins going into this container gave the listener an idea of how much a person was giving. The gifts cast in by the rich men were lavish gifts and consisted of coins that had much greater value and thus were heavier. Her offering made a tinkling noise. Of all the people who paid the most attention to the gifts given that day, it was Jesus Who was most attentive. This widow woman cast in all her living. She gave all that she had! She pictures devoted affection. She pictures total commitment. Her participation demonstrated real passion for God. She approached the offering that day with the idea that she would put it all in. Her participation speaks to us about the importance of being completely committed to the Lord.
We see this widow woman and her pattern.
She is a pattern of faith. She did not limit her gift, nor did she limit God. She had faith that God would take care of her. She is a pattern of sacrifice. She cast in all the living that she had. That is a powerful statement from Jesus. She gave it all! Her sacrifice said that it was the most important thing for her to do. It was the greatest expression of her love for Jesus. She had no strings attached to her gift. It was all for the Lord! Jesus gave His life for us, and He calls on us to give of our living for Him. This widow was a pattern of joy. I imagine this poor woman making this substantial gift with the joy of the Lord in her heart. Great givers are happy people! Great givers have hope for their lives!
The poor widow woman causes us to examine our heart and our giving. Are we calculated in our giving, or are we committed in our giving? Are we strategists in our giving, or are we sacrificial in our giving? Meditate today on the giving of this woman, and ask yourself, “How much do I give?”
Have a devoted God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Luke 1