DAY #131: Luke 20:39-21:19

The teachers of religious law (Pharisees), who also had been attempting to trick Jesus, had to congratulate Jesus on this answer to the Sadducees. This question had probably stumped the Pharisees for some time, and at last the Sadducees had been duly silenced. At this time, the questions ended, for no one dared to ask any more.

Jesus continued to issue severe condemnations of the teachers of religious law. Their concern for outward appearances over the condition of their own hearts, especially their total inattention to justice and mercy, was despicable in God’s eyes. The teachers of religious law loved the benefits associated with their position, and they sometimes cheated the poor in order to get even more benefits. Jesus warned his followers to beware of them. They were supposed to be just what their title implied—teachers who led people into the truth of God; instead, they loved the “perks” of their position and did just the opposite. They led people away from God.


Next, we see Jesus teaching, preaching, and dealing with religious leaders. At some point during one of his days there, Jesus watched people put their gifts into the collection box for the Temple treasury. Jesus was in the area of the Temple called the court of women. The treasury was there or in an adjoining walkway. Seven boxes were in this area. Worshipers could deposit their Temple tax in these boxes. In addition, six boxes more collected freewill offerings like the one this woman gave. A lot of money came into the Temple treasury during Passover.

The rich people put their gifts into the treasury—large gifts that clattered into the boxes. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two pennies. As a widow, she had few resources for earning money, and may have been without financial support. But she put her coins into the freewill offering box, meaning that this was not a required tax, but a gift.

Jesus judged the poor woman’s gift not by how much she gave, but by how much she had left after giving. The rich did well to give out of their abundance, but they had plenty left. Yet she gave everything and therefore had given more than all the rest of them. The widow could have kept back one coin, but she willingly gave both coins. She gave everything and trusted God to care for her. Jesus wanted the disciples to see this lesson in total surrender of self, commitment to God, and willingness to trust in God’s provision.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Would to God that everyone of us who claims the name of Jesus Christ could have this widows attitude toward life, towards money and towards giving. I meet believer's today who erroneously believe that "tithing" is not a new testament commandment. I laugh every time I hear that, because in this passage, Jesus gives the us the example of 100% giving not just the tithe which is 10%. In this passage, Jesus makes it clear - He wants 100% of our hearts - 100% of our time - 100% of our talents - 100% of our treasures.

This widow knew what so many of us have forgotten or maybe never learned - everything belongs to God. He is the owner of everything. I own nothing. It is all HIS. We are appointed stewards of God's possessions. We are to manage it - use it - as HE would want us to, because HE is the owner.

Lord, today, help me use what you have entrusted to me - life, time, talent, treasures for You. Lord, help me make a difference in the lives of people. Help me live as You would.

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" Philippians 2:5 (NIV)