Daily Devotional – Wednesday, May 18, 2022
But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
Mark 12:42 (NIV)
Jesus sits next to the temple treasury, watching how people are giving. The rich give pompously. They look around for applause. Jesus looks on, unfazed.
At the tail of the queue, a poor old widow waits. The masses do not notice her. The other worshippers are busy comparing and contrasting the day’s prime givers.
Slowly, she approaches the offering box. Happy that the attention of the crowd is not on her, she drops “two very small copper coins” (Mark 12:42) into the offering box. She exits anonymously. Jesus, however, notices.
This Poor Widow has Put More Than all the Others
Contrary to expectations, Jesus tells his disciples, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” (Verse 43). How? The disciples wonder. We all saw her give two mere copper coins!
Jesus supports His assertion with a powerful reason. “They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Verse 44). No disciple expects this paradigm shift.
Jesus Accepts Our Two Very Little Copper Coins
The essence of giving is in the attitude and the sacrifice, not the quantity. The widow knew she had nothing left except God and that was enough. Jesus accepted her two very small copper coins.
You may not have massive riches to offer, but you can share a meal with a needy person. You can spend time encouraging a depressed or sick individual. Jesus appreciates your genuine kindness, however insignificant it is to others.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You because You appreciate my two very small copper coins.
