The week that Jesus died: Wednesday

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Scripture - Luke 21:1-4:  The Widow’s Offering

As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.  He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.  All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.  

Highlight verse: 3  "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others.

How did Jesus spend His final week on Earth?  On this day, it is widely believed that He took a day to rest, because this day is not specifically mentioned.  Personally, I would think that He spent some time teaching, because He knew time was short.  Either way, today we will look at another famous story from His final week.  

We all have probably heard this story, of the "widow's mite'.  I'm tempted to re-title it, "The Widow's Might".  Because of the awesome power over money that this woman had.  or, because of her incredible resistance to the power of money.  Jesus made a simple point here, that I believe is sometimes misunderstood.  It is surely true, that this woman gave more per capita than the others, but this story goes beyond simple percentages.  Physically, God doesn't need much to work with.  Remember the five loaves and two fishes that fed over five thousand people?  And man was created from a handful of dirt...and the world from...nothing!  

He doesn't need a millionaire's millions.

What He does need, are willing, generous hearts.  In dealing with us, He needs a starting point.  Those giving grudgingly weren't giving God much to work with.  This widow gave Him a 'broken and contrite heart’; she gave it all, not financially, but spiritually.

What do we give Him?  Spiritual pennies, left over from work, school, marriage, and worldly spending?  Or do we give God the first fruits of our hearts, and see what He can do with them?

This Easter season, may we let go of our spiritual stinginess.

1. What do you think of this passage?

2. Does anything Jesus says in the Bible bother you?  Has God led you to anything that you disagreed with? 

3. How do you feel as you move toward the day of His death?

David Livingstone
Click here for David Livingstone's biography

"Do not think me mad. It is not to make money that I believe a Christian should live.  The noblest thing a man can do is, just humbly to receive, and then go amongst others and give."

David Livingstone