The Poor Widow
“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 cents. 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.’” Mark 12:41-44 (NIV).
Jesus specifically called attention to the poor widow’s giving. He made her story an example in faith and sacrificial generosity to be read by future generations. Pause to consider the widow’s dependence on God. Are you managing God’s treasure faithfully? Does eternity influence your financial decision-making and generosity?
Resource: Alcorn, R. (2003). Money: Why Is it So Important to God? Money, Possessions, and Eternity. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Erica Smith lives with her husband, J.R., and children Jeremiah and Eva in Fort Wayne, IN. She has spent her career in the financial services industry and is actively involved with Pathway Community Church’s Thrive Ministry.