Mark Chapter 12: Verses 41-44 (NIV-UK)
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few pence.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.’
The poor widow was probably keen to stay hidden in the crowd so that no one would notice how little money she had put into offering. But Jesus had purposely set Himself up to watch for her arrival. He was waiting for her so that He could point out how much it had cost her to give everything she had. He knew all about it, and made sure that for ever after, that widow’s offering is never forgotten.
Many people work tirelessly without drawing attention to themselves. Sometimes people might even think they are not doing anything of significance, but they put their heart and soul into it. They might not think that anyone has noticed. But even if no one else has, God certainly does and He knows how much it has cost us. Its not always how much we spend that counts either. It’s the time and effort we take. And if we do it wholeheartedly as if we are doing it for God Himself, then just like that widow woman long ago, what we do will not go unnoticed.
Dear Lord,
I’m grateful that You know our hearts intentions, and that is how You measure our actions. Help me not to be too impressed by showy gestures, but by genuine kindness and actions. And help me also not to substitute other things as a substitute for being obedient and serving You wholeheartedly. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.