September 4, 2024

Rich or Poor

It is interesting that Jesus, in our devotional yesterday, did not try to keep the widow from giving all she had. It is especially interesting considering what He said a little earlier in Mark 12:38–40,

Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”

You can hear the protection of God for widows in the voice of Jesus. You can hear His concern, and you can hear the judgment of God on those who manipulate, abuse, and take advantage of defenseless people and widows.

Yet, right on the heels of saying that, this widow gave all she had, which means she probably didn’t even have anything left to buy food for a meal that night. With her gift of less than one penny, she had nothing left. And yet, Jesus said she gave more than everybody else.

Jesus did not give the slightest indication that she shouldn’t have given an offering. He didn’t run after her and say, “Now wait a minute, Ma’am! You shouldn’t be doing this. You’re a widow. God doesn’t want this.” On the contrary, it seems that He commended her for it, even calling her gift to the attention of the disciples.

Why do you suppose this lady would have given like that—all she had? I reckon because of her love for God and her love for the work of God.

Which is what Jesus looks for when we give, whether we are rich or poor.

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