Recently, I was reading and came to a story in the twelfth chapter of Mark that captured my attention. Perhaps, the reason it caught my attention was because the woman involved in the story was a widow. I have known many widows, but I was not one myself—until now.
“Jesus sat 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 fraction of a penny.” Mark 12:41-42
Jesus was sitting in the temple that day observing the people as they gave their offerings. He especially took notice of this woman. As I read, I pictured her with tattered clothes, her face weathered and worn, and her spirit humble, unlike many who were giving that day. She slipped in among the masses not wanting to draw attention to herself. The purpose for which she had come was to give her offering to the One who had done so much for her; the One who loved her unconditionally—her God.
“Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.’” Mark 12:43-44
After Mark passed away, I was required to go to the local Social Security office to apply for a widow’s benefit. I was led to believe that the process was more or less just a formality. So, I went confidently believing that I would continue to receive Mark’s monthly Social Security check. After a lengthy process, I was informed that I was not able to receive his check for a few more years. As I stood to leave, the woman said, “I am sorry for your loss.” Those words, along with the disappointment of being told I would not be receiving the monthly check, were a piercing reminder that I was all alone—a widow.
Before I knew it, a flood of tears were making their way down my cheeks. I could not exit quickly enough. I cried all the way home. As I entered the house, I began to take a mental inventory of my expenses. The thought came to me that I would continue paying our tithe, but would eliminate all our giving above and beyond the tithe. Almost immediately I heard the Father say, “Do not stop giving! Trust Me. My child, have I not taken care of you these past eleven years?” I responded, “Yes, you have.”
Like the widow in the temple, God has always provided for us, especially in the years of Mark’s illness. He has been a faithful Father and provider. God has taught us that what we have is not ours—but His. We have no right to “hold onto” our money or our things. The widow understood this!
Do you trust God enough to give sacrificially to those in need?
Jesus was watching as the people gave, as He is watching our giving. He observed that many gave to be seen.
“When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.” Matthew 6:2
Are you giving to be seen?
As he was watching, Jesus’ attention was drawn to the quiet, unassuming widow, who had quietly slipped in among the masses to place all she had in the offering plate. The woman who fully and completely trusted her God—was giving, not to be seen, but to express her gratitude.
“But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:3-4
In her willingness to give all she had—two small copper coins, and trust God to provide, the widow brought joy to the Father’s heart. This Christmas, look for ways to give as the widow gave—without applause, unassumingly, and sacrificially. In doing so, you will bring joy to the Father’s heart.
~Dianne