Knowing The Word in Luke 21:1-4, The Widow's Offering

The setting for this story is the Court of the Women where thirteen trumpet-shaped boxes for collection of monies were placed. Each box had an inscription indicating the use of the gifts. Luke implies the rich were putting in generous gifts. In Greek “poor widow” is one word and indicated her destitute state. First-century widows had few options of earning income. This widow’s offering of two leptas—the only Jewish coin mentioned in the NT—were of little value. Jesus comments that she gave far more than the rich, giving out of her poverty while they have out of their abundance. Is the following a true statement for you: “What matters is not the amount that one gives but the amount that one keeps for oneself”?

Luke 21:1-4

1 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Prayer:

This is the day the Lord has made.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

We will not offer to God

Offerings that cost us nothing.

Spirit of God,

brooding over the waters

of our chaos,

inspire us to generous living.

Wind of God,

dancing over the desert

of our reluctance,

lead us to the oasis

of celebration.

Breath of God,

inspiring communication

among strangers,

make us channels

of your peace,

that we may give

in deep thankfulness,

placing the overflowing basket

of our gifts

on the table

of rejoicing.

Kate McIhagga