Noticing a Widow
The following is encouragement for you as if Jesus Christ Himself was speaking. These are meant to give you insight into His Heart, how He thinks, and how He feels about you. Let this encouragement begin to dwell deep within you!
Jesus sat down opposite the place where offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on.”
MARK 12:41-44 (NIV)
Please read again the line that says: “…more into the treasury than all the others”. If others were putting in the equivalent of $10, $20, $50 or more, and the poor widow put in a penny’s worth, how could such a statement be made? Was I mistaken?
No, it was no mistake. What was important was not the amount given, but the heart in which it was given. Thus, that poor widow gave “more” to honor God than the others that day. That widow had to use every bit of trust and faith she could muster, that God would everyday somehow see to her desperate needs, even though she went unnoticed by others that day. But I noticed. And I can assure you that even though this particular widow thought of herself as insignificant, of little value, and not having anything "going" for her, I saw her just the opposite!
Consider for a moment that, with my Father, I was the creator of billions of galaxies each with billions of stars, was the creator of all the plants and animals, was indeed your creator. Do I really need a gold-paneled temple to impress me? I need you to know that a church is simply a building, but the real church is made up of my brothers and sisters, people just like you. Then, as now, what I’m looking for is for my brothers and sisters to know me so well, that their trust and faith knows no bounds.
Some might have this question: wonder if all the people that day put in just pennies? How would the temple function properly? How would the payroll be met? How would supplies be bought? How would maintenance work be done?
The answer is simple: the same creator God described above is powerful enough to see to the temple’s needs, and to every one of your needs. You are the real temple I want to grow; you are the real temple in which I want to dwell; you are the real temple I care about. Your spirit will be with me in heaven long after every church building is but dust. A trusting spirit and a faithful heart is always, always, what I look for.
The next time you throw a penny into the collection, and it is all you have, and you do it with trust and faith, know that heaven is moved. Watch for blessings. And know that you are noticed!
I really like you, and I really love you!
PAUSE … Invite Him to be with you; let Him quiet you with His Love.
REFLECT… What is God saying to you?
Jesus didn’t seem too concerned with the actual temple’s budget and revenue. What He did notice, and notice carefully, was the real temple: the widow. Her heart and mind was of far more concern than anything else that day.
1) How do think the widow thought about herself? Do think she felt noticed and had importance in her town?
2) Why was Jesus so moved by one particular individual?
3) Do you think Jesus would remember her, every day, on an on-going basis, making sure her needs were somehow met?
4) How do you think that widow survived the following days and weeks?
5) Do we usually take notice of people and events in the same way Jesus does?
6) Notice that Jesus did not speak to this woman. He only noted her offering. During those times when you feel you cannot hear Jesus, can you still believe He sees what is going on with you?
RECEIVE … Seeing our total life from God's perspective is the most important part of healing! Ask for that insight so you can see your daily growth toward Him!
Click HERE to return to "Week 5 Outline".
Click HERE to read the next page "Comparing Different Voices".