The widow with the two small coins: an example of giving and sacifice

 She was at the temple to give her offering. Nothing special about her appearance, if anything, she was probably ignored or overlooked. However, she caught the attention of Jesus. Why? She only offered two small coins when others were offering tons of money. She was extremely poor and yet gave one of the most heartfelt offerings. She was a widow, alone with no husband to provide for her. The two coins she offered was all she had. No one would blame her if she kept them; however, she surrendered completely to God, trusting him to provide for her. The widow with the two coins has become an example of the spirit of trust and generosity. What is her story? Why was she giving an offering? And what lessons can be pulled from her story? 

Passover was approaching and the temple was packed with worshippers. The previous Sunday, Jesus made a sensational scene as he rode down from the Mount of Olives, into Jerusalem, mounted on a donkey. However, that day, he sat with his disciples as a large crowd gathered as the temple treasury took their offerings. There, he watched as a widow deposited her offering. Two small copper coins that were less than a day’s wage (Mark 12:42). He quickly called the disciples’ attention to the widow. He would tell them that her offering was greater than all the others (Mark 12:43). Why? Because while others gave out of their wealth, she gave out of her poverty. She literally put everything she had in the offering. While no one else noticed the woman, Jesus saw her circumstances and her heart. He recognized the nature and the sacrifice of her offering. The Bible tells us nothing of the widow except her poverty and her faith. We do not know how she became impoverished. All we know is that she gave completely to God, believing and trusting that He will provide more than the two copper coins ever could. 

It would be easy to dismiss her gift as too meager. Because what would God do with two measly coins? But she had the grace to believe in the value of her small offering. As God can do great things with little means. The story of the widow is a reminder that God’s kingdom operates on different principles than the world. In God’s eyes, it is not the size of the gift that matters, it is the size of the heart that gives it. While money is a necessity of life, the Bible warns against placing more importance on it than it rightfully should. 1 Peter 5:2 warns against greed for money. Hebrews 13:5 tells us to keep free from the love of money and be content with what we have. And, of course, the often misquoted 1 Timothy 6:10, which tells us that “the LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (emphasis mine). As those who are eager for money have wandered from faith and found themselves with many griefs (1 Timothy 6:10).

 

There are a few lessons we can take away from the widow’s story. First, recognize the need for money but be willingly to give it away. Our true security comes from God. Not in our bank accounts or our homes or our belongings. He has promised to provide (Deuteronomy 31:8, Psalm 9:10). Second, God sees the cost, the motivation, the heart and the sacrifice behind your offering. A gift begrudgingly given or given for recognition loses its value. However, a gift given out of gratitude and generosity increases its value. Third, the amount sacrificed supersedes the amount given. The widow’s offering had no chance to match the offerings of the rich; however, her sacrifice was greater. While the rich still had money in their pockets, she went home with nothing. Nothing but trust and faith. And lastly, generosity requires trust in God’s promises. No one would have blamed the widow if she withheld the offering. She obviously needed it. However, she gave it away. Out of obedience and trust, it shows a great faith in God. Psalm 20:7 says “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” 

In conclusion, the widow’s story is a few short verses in the Bible and yet she sets a profound example for us. As I close out this year’s Bible studies, I am reminded of God’s providence. He is the source of every blessing in my life. Every gift comes from him (James 1:7). While worry is a very human thing to do, I am reminded not to worry and focus on Him (Matthew 6:25-26). As we head into a new year with hope and uncertainty, may we remember that God goes before us. He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). The God that provided yesterday will be the God who provides today and tomorrow. So give with your whole heart and God will do the rest.