The Widow's Offering...Jesus Seeing It Differently Again!

Recently, I have been really appreciating the story of the widow's offering. I love this story for several reasons. Check this out:

Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, "The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all." Mark 12:41-44

A few observations:

• Jesus was strategically positioned to watch the people give in the offering. He knew who was giving and the specific amounts they were giving. If Pastor's did that today, (in most traditions) they would be chalked up as money hungry, greedy and nosey.
• From a normal, natural and earthly perspective, the people giving large financial gifts were making more impact and their gifts meant more.
• From a heavenly, Kingdom of God perceptive, through the lens of Jesus (the only lens that really matters), the woman with the penny had a more meaningful gift. It was not the size of the check, but the size of the sacrifice.
• Again, Jesus sees things opposite of the normal, cultural, or practical understanding. This is one of those things that I love about Jesus!
• Finally, we need to give out of our reserve funds, not our surplus funds. This is NOT just a giving of money, but a giving of time, talent, and other gifts you have been entrusted with.

--Noah