The widow's offering

To set the scene, just before the story of the widow's offering, Jesus was in the Temple teaching His disciples to 'watch out for the scribes', people who were seeking out human approval.

Their outward lifestyle provided a vivid contrast to what followed, an anonymous widow quietly offering all she had, two small coins.

Jesus called His disciples for an important teaching moment:

 "Truly I tell you," He said, " this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people have their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on. " (Verses 3-4)

Jesus highlights that the value of a gift, is not determined by the monetary worth, but by the spirit and sacrifice behind it. The widow gave voluntary and without pressure of eyes watching, and laid down a sacrifice to God that cost her everything she had.

Sacrifices are not coerced, forced or obligatory but are given willingly, gladly and out of love. A willing sacrifice is a great act of love.

The widow's sacrificial offering, points us toward the life of sacrifice Jesus modelled for us.

In John 10:18, Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd and says:

 "No one takes from me but I lay it down (His life) of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."

Jesus offered himself willingly. He spared nothing and it cost Him everything.

The widow's offering reminds us that God values the sincerity and sacrifice of our gifts more than their size. It challenges us to examine our own giving and question whether we are offering out of abundance or making a true sacrifice.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7 Paul says:

 "Each of you should give what you decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

The widow's offering also demonstrates to us her faith and trust in God. By giving all she had, she exhibited an unwavering trust in God's provision. She did not hold back, but gave everything she had, believing that God would take care of her needs.

In Matthew 6: 25-34, Jesus teaches the importance of trusting God for our daily needs. He says:

"Therefore I tell you do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? (Verse 25)

As believers, we are called to trust in God's faithfulness and provision. It challenges us to live out our faith by demonstrating our reliance on God through our actions.

The widow's act of giving was not merely financial, but an expression of her devotion and love for God.

In Mark 12:30, Jesus emphasises the greatest commandment:

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. "

The widow's offering reflects this commandment as she gave all she had, out of her deep love and reverence for God.

In this Christmas season, the last verse of the Christmas carol 'In the bleak mid winter' reflects on Jesus' humble birth, reminding us that the best gift we can give is our hearts.

What can I give Him

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would give a lamb

If I were a wise man, I would do my part

Yet what I can, I give Him

Give Him my heart.

Through the widow's humble and sacrificial act of giving, she teaches us about true generosity, faith and trust in God, the heart of worship, humility and selflessness.

As we reflect on the widow's offering, may we be inspired to give generously, trust God fully, worship Him with all our hearts and serve Him and others humbly. In doing so it draws us closer to the heart of God.

God bless