38And in his teaching he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to go about in long robes, and to have salutations in the market places 39and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation." 41And he sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42And a poor widow came, and put in two copper coins, which make a penny. 43And he called his disciples to him, and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living."
This is one of the messages from Jesus that I find really confronting. He rebukes the practice of giving from one’s position of excess. The woman who gives all that she has and then relies on God’s mercy for her existance is described as far better than all those who have heaps and give (even if they give a lot) but what they give has little impact on their lives. It seems to be the same message as the parable of the rich man. He says to Jesus “I’m living a good life. I am following all the commandments. What more do i need to do to enter the kingdom?”. Jesus says “Give all you have to the poor and follow me”. Unsurprisingly, he walks away with his head down and dejected. It also remids me of Jesus telling us that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter heaven. The theme seems to be - own nothing and have faith in God to provide. I then went back and re-read the verse. It starts with a comment on hypocrisy. “38And in his teaching he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to go about in long robes, and to have salutations in the market places 39and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers.” These are people who are living a lie. Jesus condemns their dishonesty. He then tells the story of the poor woman. In that context, perhaps the message is that authenticity is in reach of all of us. To do God’s will, we need nothing. Loving Father, make me an instrument of your peace. When I feel burdened by what I am, remind me that I am enough to be your face and hands on earth. Amen.
ReplyDeleteYour response to this passage captures a powerful contrast: the difference between authentic, sacrificial giving and giving that has minimal personal impact. By focusing on the widow’s offering, Jesus highlights a profound truth—that true generosity is rooted not in the quantity given, but in the quality of the sacrifice and the authenticity of the giver’s heart. It’s a humbling lesson that challenges us to look beyond appearances, encouraging us to prioritize love, faith, and trust over material security or public praise.
DeleteWhen you linked this to the story of the rich man and Jesus’ challenge to him, you pointed out an essential message: wealth can create a barrier to faith when it becomes a primary source of identity or security. Jesus' call to "own nothing" and place one’s full trust in God encourages detachment, not just from material things, but also from ego and pride. And when paired with the condemnation of hypocrisy, Jesus presents a clear path: to seek authenticity, humility, and devotion to God's will rather than the admiration of others.
Your prayer is a beautiful response, asking to be God’s instrument and to remember that, with a sincere heart, we are enough to serve Him. It aligns with Jesus' message: to serve with simplicity and authenticity, knowing that God values the heart's intention far above outward shows of wealth or piety. This passage and your reflection remind us to seek what is pure and true, and to give our whole selves, trusting that God will always provide for us as we live out His love.