She gave all she had . . .

A poor widow and her mites is still a relevant Bible study today, here’s why!

In biblical times, being a widow truly meant you were destitute. If a widow didn’t have someone to take care of her needs (like other family members) or someone that had pity on her (like the church), she often didn’t have a way to support herself.

So when this lady gave just two mites (very little money), she did something remarkable. A small amount to most standards but Jesus pointed out to us that she gave more than the others because she gave all she had.

As this woman stood by the bed of her dying husband, she no doubt grieved over the passing of her loved one but also for the days to come. She knew that hard times were coming. Without her provider, money would be scarce. Her livelihood would dwindle and she would be alone.

The widow probably had no idea where her next meal would come from or where she might get another coin. She gave all she had.

She gave all she had.

And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” Luke 21:1-4

She may have been worried about the future but she gave everything in spite of her circumstances. She was obedient even though she was poor. What more did she have to lose? The coins weren’t the last of the money in her purse, they were the last of her livelihood.

The poor widow wasn’t meeting a great need in the church by giving a fraction of a penny but she knew that everything belonged to God. Therefore, she gave freely.

The religious people of the day didn’t appreciate her sacrifice. They wanted people to see how much they gave. Actually, they wanted people to hear how much they put in.

In the women’s court of the temple sat metal offering receptacles. The metal offering collector made a big sound when people threw large amounts of coins. They were looking for a larger clank and a little clout. “Look at me” was their attitude.

What they failed to see was the great need right in temple. They had poor widows and orphans that needed the church’s support. Jesus teaches about this later in the chapter. I’m sure that’s not a coincidence ; ).

When we give, it’s about having the right attitude.

Opening our wallet can be a tough thing to do especially when we don’t have much. Where will our next meal come from?How will we pay our utility bill? Trusting God is hard to do when we don’t see how the ends will meet. But trusting in God’s provision actually makes it easy to have a generous attitude.

Jesus was the one who brought value to her obedience and sacrifice.

Sometimes no one will notice what you do but Jesus. He knows your sacrifice. It’s ok to give without other people knowing, other than all-knowing Jesus.

God evaluates our gifts and offerings on a different scale than other humans.

Humans, even ones who are close to God (like the disciples), don’t always appreciate gifts made from difficult circumstances. Unfortunately, humans often weigh the value of gifts based on the amount and not the sacrifice. God sees more. Everyone heard two little coins drop into the collector but God saw the impact her gift made upon her livelihood.

Being strategic to simply gain accolades is not ok.

Some people during Jesus’ time would take paper money and exchange for coins simply to make a larger noise in the metal collectors. The larger the noise, the more others heard their “generous” offering. Giving to receive is not generous but selfish. It’s ok to simply give because it all belongs to God anyway. What does your heart say when you give? Do you give openly and with a clean attitude?

If someone gives from their abundance it doesn’t equal a gift from someone who gives all they have.

How can you give in your circumstances? Do you struggle financially yet want to be generous?

Maybe you need to be a person to help take care of those who can’t take care of themselves?

Write a comment below to let me know how the widow and her mites Bible study has impacted you. I love hearing from you guys!!