The widow gave two small copper coins, which was all she had to live on, demonstrating complete reliance on and trust in God. While others gave lavishly out of their wealth, she gave sacrificially out of her poverty. Jesus used her example to teach his disciples that true giving comes from a place of surrendering all to God rather than from abundance.
2. Her Character
Extremely poor. God-fearing. Relying on God to meet her
needs.
She gave all that she has. (She could’ve kept some for herself)
She gave sacrificially, not out of abundance
Her Sorrow Being alone, without a husband to provide for her.
Her Joy Surrendering herself to God completely.Trusting Him to act on her behalf.
Key Scriptures Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4
3. The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12:41-44)
• 41 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. 42 But a poor widow came and
put in two very small copper coins, worth
only a few cents.
• 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus
said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has
put more into the treasury than all the
others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth;
but she, out of her poverty, put in
everything—all she had to live on.”
4.
5.
6.
7. Widow MostVulnerable and Dependent Class of People
Unable to support herself
Entitled to unique protection (Exodus 22:22-24)
Teacher of the Law Loves to walk around in flowing robes and be recognized by people
Has the most important seats in the synagogues
Preyed onWidows for their Money (devours widow’s houses)
Jesus
Observing those who are giving money to the
Temple ofTreasury (Court ofWomen) – where
people donate money
2 copper coins Also refered to as Denarius, Drachma, Mite,
Shekel
1 mite is equal to $1
Local currency being used
8. Why would Jesus watch people put their money in the temple treasury?
What did Jesus want the disciple to understand about the widow? About the teachers of the law
who preyed on women like her?
Why would someone give everything she had to live on?
Describe your relationship with money?To what extent are you a spender, a saver, a giver,
or a craver for money?
9. What can we learn from her?
Jesus is
interested in
HOWWE GIVE,
not how much
we give
We need to
continue relying
on God to meet
our needs
Our true security
is not on our
belongings but
on God alone
10. Deuteronomy 31:8New International Version (NIV)
8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be
with you; he will never leave you nor forsake
you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
God’s Promise
Psalm 9:10New International Version (NIV)
10 Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Matthew 6:25-26New International Version (NIV)
Do Not Worry
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body,
what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the
birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father
feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
11. How do you express yourTRUST/RELIANCE in God?
Are you giving sacrificially or out of abundance?
REFLECTION