The Widow’s Mite:

This woman had nothing left to give, yet her two mites caught Jesus's attention. The widow's story and her two mites highlight that God sees not just what we give but also our intentions. It’s not the amount that matters to God but the heart and motive behind the gift. This article will focus on the lessons of the widow’s faith, sacrifice, and true generosity.

In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus sitting near the treasury. He was observing the rich giving much and the widow her two mites, which equal a farthing. The significance of this is that the widow gave all that she had knowing that God would take care of her whereas the rich gave much but they still had plenty left over.

Before this happened, Jesus talked about the scribes who devoured the widow's homes (Luke 20:1-47). Jesus throughout his ministry has constantly taught about charity to the poor and the widows.

This widow is mentioned only in Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4 but she is important. We can learn from her example.

The Widow had faith in God

When the poor widow put her two mites into the treasury she believed God would take care of her needs. “For all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had” (Luke 21:4).

We can read in Philippians 4:19, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. If we are faithful to God, He will take care of us.

Jesus Knows Our Situation

Jesus didn’t know the widow, but He knew that the two mites were all she had “but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had” (NKJV). No one told Him either. So how did He know? Sometimes I think we forget that Jesus knows everything.

Generosity Is Important

When we give, it’s not the size of what we give but what’s in our hearts. “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). This widow was happy to put her money in the treasury.

Our Sacrifice is Seen by God

The amount we give is not important because the money belongs to God. Jesus points out that the widow gave all that she had and she had nothing left whereas the rich gave but still had plenty at home to fall back on. God sees our sacrifice even if we don’t think He does.

The widow and her two mites teach us the true reason for giving. It also reminds us that God can see our giving as well as what’s in our hearts when we give. When the widow gave her all, it showed her faith and trust in God. We must have faith and trust in God like the poor widow did. When we give, we must do it cheerfully and willingly and know that our offering be it big or small pleases God.

The image was generated at ChatGPT. I downloaded the image to Canva where I did some editing.