Jesus watched the crowd place their money in the temple offering. The rich threw in large amounts. A poor widow put in two very small coins. (Mark 12:41-44)I’m guessing, a lot of people sneered at her portion. Whispering behind her back. “Can you believe that? Why didn’t she just stay home? What she has to offer won’t make a bit of difference in the balance sheet.”
It made a difference in Jesus’ eyes. He told his disciples that she put more into the offering than all the others.
If I had been there, my response probably would have been something like “huh?”
Considering Judas reaction to Mary when she poured out the fragrant oil on Jesus’ feet, I’m guessing he rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath, “here we go again.”
Peter, most likely spoke what was on everyone’s mind. “I only took basic math, Jesus, but that just doesn’t add up.”
I could just see Jesus shake his head and lift a silent prayer heavenward for God to open their understanding. In today’s vernacular he might have said, “Don’t you see? She gave all she had. What is mere pocket change for one person, is an extravagance they don’t have for the other.”
Whether the offering is money, time or talents, a person’s heart determines the extravagance of the gift. What one person is able to give, someone else is not. What is possible in one season of life, may not be in another.
Whether it’s time, talents or money, when you give, is your heart willing? Cheerful? Are you giving all you are able?
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. 9:7(NIV)
