Gentle Reader,
Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” – Mark 12:42-44 (NKJV)
Jesus turns everything on it’s head. Again.
Surely those who are “important,” those who can give the most, are the greatest in His eyes. Surely He values the wealthy and the powerful above “regular” people.
He doesn’t.
Don’t misunderstand. Jesus doesn’t turn people away from Himself because they happen to be rich or in a position of influence. He doesn’t turn people away who happen to be poor “nobodies,” either. Anyone can come to Him. But position and the amount in our bank accounts make no difference to God. He sees our hearts. He sees what truly matters.
Jesus wants all that we have, whatever we have. No, we don’t have to go out, sell everything and live on the streets, but we do need to rely on Him. That’s what He asks of us. That’s why He praises this widow and her two little pennies. She gave because she wanted to. She put her whole life into it. That kind of thing makes the Savior smile.
For all entries in the Jesus: 31 Days with the Savior series, go here.