NOVEMBER 10 – Reading 314

by Tim Satryan | November 10

“TWO PENNIES”
(Matthew 23:37 – 24:31; Mark 12:41 – 13:27; Luke 21:1-27)

“Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” – Luke 21:1-4

When I was a boy, I dabbled in coin collecting. Actually, it was mostly pennies I collected – and I still have the collection! Most of them aren’t worth very much at all. In fact, today, pennies are so meaningless, the US Government will stop producing them in 2026 because they cost more to produce than they are worth! To the point, if you see a penny on the ground, do you even bother to pick it up?

In our text, Jesus observes individuals giving into the offering, similar in function to today’s church offering plates. People of “means” put significant amounts into the offering, but a poor widow only put in “two mites” (KJV) – two small copper coins. We would call them pennies. The Greek word used is a lepton – a Jewish bronze or copper coin worth about 1/128 of a denarius, which was a day’s wage for a laborer! So, the reality is that the widow placed 1/64th of a laborer’s daily wage into the offering. 

Her offering wasn’t very much. But, it was literally all she had. Because of this, according to Jesus, her offering was worth far more than all the other offerings.

So, what are you giving the Lord? Are you giving out of abundance… giving what is expected… meeting your “religious obligation”? Or are you giving sacrificially… out of love… going above and beyond your “requirement”?

I have heard many Christians debate whether “tithing” is applicable for today’s believer. They will argue over what is required and necessary to be a proper “tithe.” I would submit to you that even debating this is irrelevant. The most important thing is to give all you have, sacrificially, lovingly, with a heart of being a blessing. 

Simple Truth:
Everything we do for the Lord and give to His work is good. But what is given and done sacrificially and from a heart of love is far better!

Reflections & Application: 

• As you listen closely to the “still small voice” of the Holy Spirit, is there something the Lord is urging you to do or to support? Step out and act upon His leading!

   

• All too often, we do things – even as believers – out of habit. Perhaps God is speaking to you to “break a habit” and do something extraordinary!

   

• As you journey through each day, keep your spiritual eyes and ears open to hear and see what opportunities God is opening for you to serve Him in a special way!

   

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me today to see things through the eyes of Jesus. Let my actions and my words reflect the heart of God. As Christ sacrificed His all for my salvation, may I follow His example and give my all for His cause. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.