“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.
Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions for they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” -Mark 12:41-44 NLT
Most of us have heard this text from sermons, children’s moments, and Sunday school lessons. Jesus was not doing a money check to see who was giving; he was doing a heart check as people brought their offerings to the temple. He knew who was being stingy and who was being generous. And he explained how the poor widow’s gift was an actual worship act.
It can be tempting for church councils and nonprofit boards to focus too much on pleasing significant donors whose money can yield power and influence. Often, the wealthy are sought out for leadership roles and coveted as friends. Even in the body of Christ, money talks. But Jesus is saying here, “Not so fast.”
We also should seek out people with limited financial resources and abundant generosity to be part of our friend circles, mentor others, and serve as leaders. Rather than looking past those who seem to be least among us, we need to ask Jesus for his eyes to see one another’s incredible value and to learn from each other. Wealth can be here today and gone tomorrow. Jesus is concerned with the motives of the heart.
Journeying Together,
John
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