And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. [42] And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. [43] And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: [44] For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Mark 12:41-44 During Holy Week Jesus was at the temple observing the people. He watched as people placed money into the treasury. The rich men contributed large sums.
I always chuckle when I hear of some big name music or movie star donating $100,000 to a foundation. Everyone ooohs and aaahs because of the amount, but if you look at what they make per movie or song it is just a “drop in the bucket”. It would be like a common man making $50,000 a year and giving $5.00 to a worthy cause and making sure everyone knew about it.
Basically this is what the rich men were doing. Giving of their abundance or their discretionary income (the left over money after all necessities were paid for). They made sure they had plenty left over for themselves.
Following the men was a poor widow. Widows in Bible times had nothing. There were no government programs to help poor people. Whatever she had was from working a job, which was not common in those times, or someone in her family gave her some money for the bare necessities. Wherever she got her money does not matter. What matters is how she used it.
Two mites, is all she had. A mite was the smallest of all Jewish coins. It was not only small in size but also in worth. Two mites were all the widow had. She probably did not know where her next meal was coming from, but she knew what she had to do and she did it. This poor widow’s priorities were right. God was first in her heart and she showed it by being a willing giver.
Time and money are usually the items that most of us waste. The poor widow was using her time and money to give glory to God.
What are our priorities? How do we spend our money? Where do we spend our time?
Meditate and pray asking God to show you what He would have you to do with your time and money.
I will leave you with a few verses from God’s word to ponder:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Luke 12:21
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Colossians 4:5
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16
Have a blessed day,
Donna
