Mite or Might

Luke 21:3-4

"Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on."

No matter how much or how little we have, we can be stewards of what God has given us. God is not impressed with amounts given in his name, because a rich person can give a vast amount to be seen by others as generous, and yet he has not come close to giving sacrificially.

While teaching near the place in the Temple complex where offerings were brought, Jesus directed his disciples to watch carefully. Wealthy people put in large sums, but a poor widow put in only two coins. She gave what she had, not so that anyone would see her, but just to express to the Lord that she was his and trusting him to provide what she needed. Two copper coins made no significant increase whatsoever in the Temple’s budget. But heaven had not seen a gift so substantial in a very long time.

The widow’s story reminds me about an HIV-positive widow named Sarah who had been delivered from demonic attack. A newborn baby (who was probably also HIV-positive) was left at the church gate. In those days such babies grew sick and inevitably died. Our ministry director searched for someone who would care for this infant.

When Sarah expressed a desire to care for the baby, the director asked her why, especially since she was already caring for three children. Sarah's reply was, “After all God has done for me, how can I not give what I have to take care of this little girl?” This poor woman, who had nothing in the world’s eyes, showed people in a mighty way what it means to be a good steward.

Reflection Questions

Read the story of the widow’s mite in Luke 21:1-4 again. Reflect on your possessions no matter how insignificant they may seem in the eyes of the world. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can use even the little you have to serve God by serving others. Are you willing to end this week of study by committing to be a good steward of all that God has entrusted to you?

This content was adapted from Radical Money Manifesto by Joseph William Black. To learn more about being a good steward of all God has given you, read the full book.