Mark 12:41-44
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
“Out of her poverty, she put in everything.” This story is about so much more than two small copper coins.
Jesus heard more than the resounding clangs of metal hitting the treasury box; He saw far beyond the monetary worth of those coins. In terms of buying power, her contribution was virtually worthless. Furthermore, this was not a mandated tithe or a response to social pressure. This was a freewill thank offering—it was entirely optional.
When you are presented with optional opportunities to give or serve, how do you respond?
Here is how I typically handle them:
- My schedule: Does it fit into my plans?
- My to-do list: Does it align with what I already need to accomplish?
- My bank account: Does it work with my upcoming bills?
- My energy level: Does it fit my current mood?
In short: out of my comfort, I give what I can handle.
This is the exact opposite of the widow. Out of her poverty, she gave everything.
In times of desperation, do we grasp and cling, or are we ready to open our hands? The widow was clearly in desperate circumstances, yet she opened her hand and let go of the tiny bit she had left. She stopped calculating what she lacked and turned her focus toward the One who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.
Her heart was filled with gratitude because her attention shifted away from her circumstances and toward a loving, faithful God.
Jesus saw that heart in her. Does He see it in me? Does He see a heart so anchored in thankfulness that I am willing to surrender everything to follow Him?
Surrender is more than reciting a creed, holding sound doctrine, singing a worship song, or attending a service. It is a daily posture of surrendering whatever we have to God—even when all we have feels insignificant.
It starts by shifting our focus, just as the widow did, turning our anxiety into trust in God. I may have very little, but He is everything and can do anything. He created me, loves me, and promises never to leave me.
As I let go of the things I try so hard to protect—my time, my energy, my financial security—I learn what it truly means to rely on His providence. Looking back, I can see all the ways He has carried me through past moments of desperation. Now, whenever an option to serve or give comes my way, I get to view it differently: as an invitation to give out of my poverty, surrender everything, know Him deeper, and serve others freely.
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