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Jesus Passion Week - Tuesday, The Widow's Mite

Luke 21:1-4; Mark 12:41

        One of the most fascinating studies in the Word of God is the study of what transpired on each day of our Lord’s passion week.  On Sunday He rode into Jerusalem on a lowly donkey to exuberant praise.  On Monday He cleansed the Temple and overturned the tables of those who were exchanging money and selling doves.

          On Tuesday, the next day, He is again in the temple.  In Mark’s Gospel we learn that Jesus sat near the offering box and He observed how the crowd tossed money in for the collection.  We learn that those who were rich gave large gifts.  In verse 42 from the Message Bible we learn, “One poor widow came up and put in two small coins – a measly two cents.”  

         In verse 43 this became a teachable moment.  “Jesus called His disciples over and said, ‘The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together.’”   Most today would scoff at such an insignificant gift.  We would celebrate the large contributions and honor the generous donors.

       God’s ways are different.  Listen to how Jesus describes her gift in verse 44 from the Message Bible, “All the others gave what they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford – she gave her all.”  We are in a season that celebrates the fact that “Christ gave His all.”  He gave His best at the cross of Calvary.

          How can you be extravagant in what you give to God today?  Are you extravagant in your praise?  Have you made Jesus Lord of everything in your life? Have you given your best to Him?  William McDowell wrote a song entitled, “I Give Myself Away.”  It is a popular song that is being sung in churches all around our nation.  The words to the second verse read:

“Take my heart
Take my life
As a living sacrifice
All my dreams all my plans
Lord I place them in your hands”

           Why not make the words of this verse your prayer today?  What do you need to give to God?  What do you need to place in His hands?

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