In the midst of all of this, we find Jesus sitting in the Court of Women where the temple treasury was kept. We are told that He is once again observing the people, and no doubt keeping a protective eye over the temple dealings. Worshippers passed by Him, leaving their offerings in the trumpet-shaped vessels.
Boisterous, gloating, pompous Pharisees came with their coins jingling in oversized, lined pockets of their costly robes. Drawing as much attention to themselves they could muster, they dropped their donations with announcement and noise. Others came, giving out of their abundance and riches, as large sums of money started to pile up.
Entering through the gate… A widowed woman shuffles towards the ruckus, making her way humbly through the crowd.
Nobody notices her. Nobody would…
She reaches into her worn, weathered widowed garment and says a prayer. She extends her hand over the mouth of the box as the last of everything she has to her name comes to rest on the shiny gold coins. These copper pieces were not worth enough to even make a clink.
Calling His disciples over, Jesus gives a lesson concerning offerings and how they are measured in eternity. This woman gave everything she had. All. She offered until she was completely dependent on the Lord to sustain her. It may not have been much in quantity, but her coins resounded in the heavens loud and weighty!
And unbeknown to this sweet lady… she was noticed. The Messiah was watching her, teaches His disciples a lesson about her, and what she gave to the Lord remains in the cannon of scripture for us to talk about today.
Why does the Lord give so much attention to this woman? May I suggest to you that a true sacrificial heart, without any selfish gain, without looking to receive recognition, is a gem and a precious thing to the Him!
David had the same heart in 2 Samuel 24, where he demands to purchase the threshing floor to build an altar at a cost, even though it was being freely given to him.
‘I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that costs me nothing!’
A challenge for us to think about:
µ Have I recently given out to the Lord at a cost? Cost of money, time, resources, effort?
µ In our hearts, if we were honest, do we wait to see if someone will notice us if we do?µ Is receiving a heavenly reward good enough for us, or does our flesh always require a pat on the back?
µ Has the Lord called us to true sacrifice and we declined the call?
When we give of ourselves in whatever way the Lord is asking us to, it is always noticed!
Not too far away, your Messiah is sitting, watching you in your obedience, smiling from ear to ear, and whispers to your spirit, “That’s my girl!”
Lord, would You give us the strength to see things the way You see them. Keep our flesh at bay as we strive to obey You in sacrifice. We thank You and are amazed that You would take notice of us at all, but we are so elated that you do!
Love this!! <3
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