Dear Student of the Word,
Welcome back to this online devotional study of Luke's gospel. In this week's installment, we focus on the Jewish leaders' attempts to catch Jesus in some mis-statement or mis-deed. It is ironic that these men continually tried to discredit Jesus to no avail, engaging Him in discussions about the Law and Bible, hoping to win the debate. This week's study ends on a positive note, however, for Jesus was watching people bringing their offerings to the Temple and had this to say about one woman's giving. Here is what I wrote in the seventh part of this seven-part study that you can download below:
Study Twenty-Eight: Part Seven
21 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3“Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
21:1 – Jesus was quite attentive. He seldom missed a thing that was happening around him. He once felt power go out of him when a woman touched Him for healing, even though the crowd was pressing Him (see Luke 8:45). Then Jesus always knew what was in the hearts of those who were around Him, even those who were smiling outwardly but had evil thoughts toward Him in their hearts. Now Jesus observed the people giving their gifts in the Temple. God is still observing His people, looking for those who are committed to Him and His will, as we read in the Old Testament: “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles16:9).
21:2 – All the people gave these small copper coins to the Temple treasury, even the very rich. The rich probably poured large amounts of copper into the container, so it was easy to notice (if one was paying attention) this widow putting in only what she had in her hand. It would have been easy to miss this simple act, for it was almost beyond notice and wouldn’t have made any noise as the two coins joined the large quantify already given. Jesus saw it, however, and Jesus sees what you give as well.
21:3 – Jesus said, “I tell you the truth.” How often Jesus said that (nine times in Luke alone)! What else could He say, for He was the truth? Yet what He said seemed so out of the ordinary that He had to convince people He was really telling the truth. Why is that? It is because men believe so many lies that when they hear the truth it seems bizarre!
Jesus went on to say that this widow had given more than all before her. That must have sounded strange, for others were pouring in large amounts while she put in two small coins. Someone once said that God doesn’t evaluate the size of what you gave, but rather what you have left after you give. The rich still had plenty after they had given, while this woman had nothing. Thus, her offering was given special attention by God Himself.
God knows what you have, as well as what you’ve given. If you have nothing, God is aware and will take care of you. At the same time, it is difficult to give all that you have. Just having a dollar in your pocket can make you feel like you have something. To give it all and trust God is an act of supreme trust and this woman did just that.
21:4 – I wish I knew the rest of this story. I would like to think that God supernaturally provided for this woman who gave everything she had. would love to know how God blessed her and what He gave her in return for her generosity and faith. In a sense, she received a greater reward than just money in return. Jesus pointed out what she did for all the Church to read down through the centuries. While we don’t know this woman, she is famous! Her legacy of generosity has impacted many people through the centuries.
That day when she came to the Temple, she thought she was giving two coins—all that she had to live on. Instead, she received honor from the Lord. I would like to imagine that she came to know Jesus and she will be pointed out to us when we get to heaven.
What you do today may seem insignificant to you, but if it is done in faith and a generous spirit, be sure that God notices. If you do wrong, even if it is a small thing, rest assured that God is watching that as well. Take to heart today what the writer of Hebrews wrote: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).
As always, I welcome your comments to this week's study. For additional Bible studies, check out my website archive, which contains a complete collection of all my verse-by-verse New Testament studies, along with the daily devotional entitled The Leadership Walk. Thank you and I hope you continue to enjoy this study of Luke's gospel from God's word.
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