Title: An Offering Acceptable to God

Title: An Offering Acceptable to God

Biblical Reference: Luke 21: 1-4 (The Widow’s Offering)

 

In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus commended the poor widow when He saw her put two small copper coins in the treasury. This story is also found in Mark 12: 41-44. Luke did not mention about the exact amount the rich people gave in the treasury, but in the account of Mark, he said “many rich people put in large sums.” Thus, we can say that the rich people have offered more than what the poor widow gave. What does Jesus teach us about making (the widow’s offering) these two small copper coins greater than the other contributions?

 

A contribution matters because of the giver. In verses 1 and 2, Luke writes about two different individuals. Luke 21:1 says, “He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury” and Luke 21:2 says, “he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.” In this Biblical passage, there are rich people and poor widows. What is the difference between them? In the previous chapter, Luke narrated about the encounter of Jesus with various leaders in Jerusalem. The chief priest, Pharisees, scribes, elders, and the Sadducees. These people during that time were respected by many people and received honor and special treatment. These people have known the Law very well but fail to apply them in their lives. They teach about the law but do not put them into action. They are classified as rich people. On the other hand, the widows are one of the least cared for in society. They received injustices. They are the so-called poor in the community. The rich people in Luke’s context are the ones who made the poor feel less important. In Luke 20:45-47, the scribes are the ones who devour the widows’ houses. From this point, God is reminding all of us to evaluate ourselves. Despite the contribution that we can give, God looks into our hearts, our character, or how genuine or sincere we are as we come to Him.

 

Giving out of poverty is acceptable to God.  In verses 3 and 4 say [3] He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; [4] for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.” When a person is living in abundance, it is easier to share or give. But when someone is lacking, giving is a challenge. I have my experience before that when I wish I could help or give, but unfortunately, I don’t have anything much to offer. And that is a very sad feeling. When I can only give a little and I wish I could give more. But in the story of the widow’s offering, Jesus is very pleased with the self-emptying act of the widow. And as I mentioned a while ago, widow’s houses are devoured by scribes. Thus, this widow is really poor, but it does not prevent her from sharing what she has even if it is little compared to the economic standard of other people. Such a widow's act of giving is acceptable to God. Now, God is telling all of us that little becomes much when we offer it to Him. And it is not only about money. But poverty can be viewed in different areas such as poor in spirit, poor in health, poor in status, in skills, or in time. As we experience poverty in our lives, let it not be a hindrance in our ability to give an acceptable sacrifice for the Lord and to other people. Psalms 51:16-17 says, “ [16] For you have no delight in sacrifice; if I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased. [17] The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Out of brokenness and out of poverty the widow gave it all. Is there also a time in your life that out of poverty, you still manage to give?

 

Small things matter in the Kingdom of God and He makes it great. Jesus commended the widow's offering. She only gave two copper coins. It appears little in amount, but this is no little in the sight of God. What the widow gave was “all she had to live on (v.4)." God’s standard is different from the world’s. God measures in different ways. 1 Samuel 16:7b says “For the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” When David, with faith in God, only used a sling and stone to defeat Goliath, it was an example of an extraordinary deed. The same is true for our small actions towards other people and to God. When you pray for the sick, affirm the weak and the discouraged, greet others when you pass by, give a smile, help your classmates on their assignment, give a handkerchief or a tissue, prepare the dining hall, put your trash in the right place or share your faith with others. In Acts 3:6 Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” The beggar received healing and was walking, leaping, and praising God (Acts 3:8). These are just examples of small acts daily. These are basics but are very essential and can have a great impact on others. Every work that we do is seen and acknowledged by our gracious God. When you feel like you have not done enough in yourself, family, ministry, or in God, remember how and to whom you did it. Is it for the Lord or yourself alone? Is it actions of love and faith? Then God is saying that your work is not in vain. It is all worth it and great.

 

Now, brothers and sisters in Christ, what is the importance of knowing the story of the offering of the poor widow? We have learned that our contribution matters because God looks into our hearts. What pleases God is a sacrifice given out of authenticity. And there are no little things in the eyes of God especially if these small acts are done because of love and faith in God.

 

This is the message of God for the people of God. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.