He called his disciples and said to them, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the offering box than all the others. For they all gave out of their wealth. But she, out of her poverty, put in what she had to live on, everything she had.”
Into the Text
When God gave His Law to the Israelites, He established a standard of charity for them. Every family was to give a tenth of their wealth to the temple each year. This offering was done both as an act of worship and as an act of provision. The Levites were set apart from the other tribes to care for and preserve the Tabernacle, and later the temple, and to lead the nation in the worship of God. The Levites did not receive any land of their own. Instead, the remaining tribes were meant to provide for the Levites through charity.
God established a standard of giving in Israel to provide for those in need. There were more provisions than just the one to care for the Levites. Other provisions took care of those who were poor, such as the instruction for farmers to leave the corners of their fields unharvested so the poor could have something to eat.
Charity has always been a practice among God’s people. It not only is an act of faith and worship, but it is how we support the body of Christ. Today, we no longer live under the Law. We are not required to set aside a tenth of our wealth and give it to the church. However, a new standard of giving has been set because of what Christ has done.
Our lives are meant to reflect what Christ has done for us. He gave everything. He died so we could have life. The widow in our Scripture today is an example of what we should be willing to give: everything we have. Christ gave everything for us, so that is our new standard.
As we examine our hearts, may we be people who are willing to give everything for Christ. May we see those in need and not withhold when we can help. We can trust that God will meet our needs and provide for us even when we give everything away for His kingdom’s sake.