“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
Several lessons can be drawn from the story of the poor widow, but today let’s notice what Jesus didn’t do. Jesus didn’t stop the woman from giving to the temple treasury. He didn’t stop the poor widow from giving to God—from giving to him. He allowed her to give him a gift, even though her personal sacrifice to do so was great.
Do we allow others to bless us, to give to us? Or do we refuse them or try to discourage them from giving the gift? Jesus didn’t rob this precious woman from the blessing of giving. Let’s not do so in our lives either. Let’s allow others to give to us. Let’s receive the blessing.
*When have you allowed someone to give generously to you?
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*Photo by Adi Goldstein on Unsplash
This is a beautiful reminder that receiving is, in itself, an act of humility and love. We often think being ‘self-sufficient’ is a virtue, but Jesus shows us that allowing someone to give—even when they have little—validates their dignity and their desire to bless. Thank you for this shift in perspective!
So glad you appreciated this post! And I appreciate the important insights you shared as well. Blessings!