“Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins” (Mark 12:41-42, NLT).
Can you picture this scene in your mind’s eye? Jesus was a busy man. He had a whole lot going on, all the time. He had multitudes to minister to. He had sermons to preach. He had countless sick people to heal and oppressed souls to liberate. He had a team to train, a team that was going to carry the immeasurably vital task of leading His movement once He went back to heaven.
And yet, He had time to sit down and watch people give their offerings. Why was this a priority for Him? I believe it was because Jesus came to show us the Father. One of the essential things He wanted to show us is that God is paying close attention to our gifts to Him. When we are generous towards Him, He takes extra special notice. It moves His heart in a way so profound it’s hard to describe. Look what happened next:
A widow in Jesus’ time was one of the most vulnerable members of society. She could not earn a living for herself. Without a husband, she was thrust into utter poverty. And yet, this woman wanted to give something to God. As Jesus so keenly observed, she gave extravagantly. She poured out to Him all that she had left to even survive on. She gave Him everything.
Does God measure our offerings? Yes. But His measurements are completely different from this world’s. He doesn’t measure them in terms of quantity. He measures them in terms of devotion. Of worship. Of the way we lavish our love on Him.
You know, this principle is not exclusive to finances. It applies to emotional strength too. There are times in all of our lives when prolonged painful trials have taken a hefty toll on us. There are times when we simply don’t have much left to give. If you are in a place like that, and yet, somehow, you dig down deep and pour out to God the very last of what you have left… you have no idea how much that moves Him. Tears roll down His cheeks as He receives your offering of love.
In our story for today, we can see that truth in action. This widow stole God’s heart. Her devotion was recorded for us to read about for all generations, until Jesus comes again. This reminds me of what Jesus expressed about another worshiping woman: the one who poured her expensive perfume on His head: “She has done a beautiful thing for me… I can guarantee this truth: Wherever this Good News is spoken in the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her” (Matt. 26:10, 13, GW).
When you give everything to God, no matter how small it seems to you, He takes close notice. Not only does your gift draw His gaze of unspeakable tenderness… but He also tucks it into His heart and habitually remembers it. Dear one, He remembers it forever.
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Have you ever suddenly become aware of God’s gaze on you?
Feeding On Jesus 
Yes, this scene always amazes, as you state, it’s the only place in scripture that records Jesus just taking time to observe someone. This tells us that God is very interested in the attitude of the giver & the manner of their giving.
It’s been said: “It’s not what you give, it’s what’s leftover after you give that really matters”. And in both scripture examples, there was nothing left.
True gospel life is just that, right? Jesus gave it all and lays the groundwork for those who embark on a mission to follow him are expected to do likewise.
Another great post & insightful snapshot into the King’s heart Jennifer!
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Thank you so much, David! I am truly grateful for your encouragement, and I love that quote you shared. That is absolutely perfect. Amen and amen. Lord, we want to pour it all out to You!
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I love this! Thank you ☺️
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Thank you so much, Mama Lava! 💕😊
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Thank you. Jesus KNOWS our HEARTS. As we journey onwards it is our hearts He will change if we follow His Leading.
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Amen and amen. I am so grateful He keeps transforming my heart to be more like His!
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What a sweet thought – that Jesus “takes notice of us,” even when no one else does. ❤
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It really is, isn’t it, Annie? I am so grateful for His eyes ever on me, full of love!
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I’ve always loved this story. It reminds me not to get caught in our society’s comparison traps.
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Yes! Such a vital perspective for staying free of those. Thank you, Debi Sue 🙂
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My thoughts are a bit of a detour, but sort of related in a way. No human is perfect, we make mistakes, and at times we feel like a mess. Life isn’t about being perfect, or seeking the ‘perfect’ person for us. It’s about finding someone to be imperfect with, offering up all that we are to God, the good and the bad, with our whole hearts.
This was a wonderful reminder to me, to keep offering who I am to God, and know that I am enough. It’s hard for me to acknowledge that at times, even though in God’s eyes that never changes. So to remember it, even if some days I can’t believe it in my own mind, turns me back to that truth. ❤
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It definitely relates! It takes Jesus’ notice when you offer yourself to Him even in your struggles. I think that kind of offering is especially moving to Him!
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