“As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’”—Luke 21:1–4 (NIV)

She comes out of nowhere! Not just in the natural and historical sense when she inconspicuously merged into the throngs dropping her offering into the Temple coffers nearly two thousand years ago, but also in the spiritual and eternal sense when this unnamed woman, known only to the Lord, etched an example of faith into God’s Word that will never fade or diminish. 

Who was this woman, and what led her to bring her seemingly insignificant “gift” to the Temple that day? Again, these are details known only to the God who she sought to honor. We never get any further mention or exposition on her from Jesus or by any other gospel writer. This is where Jesus does something so unlike what are natural instincts dictate, doesn’t He? I mean, wouldn’t we want to let her drop her copper coins, which meant more to her in her poverty than any of the other offerings that were given, and then call her out in front of the crowd and publicly proclaim her greatness to everyone? 

Notice how Jesus doesn’t do any of that. In fact, He doesn’t seem to even come alongside her afterwards to give her any sort of reassurance. There was no tap on the shoulder or gentle whisper of, “Hey, I saw what you did there. Well done . . . don’t worry, My Father’s got you covered!” None of that. She seems to slip back into obscurity and vanish forever. I mean, couldn’t more have been done for this poor widow?

But that’s not what the Lord did because that’s not the point of this moment. It wasn’t for her benefit whatsoever, although we can entrust this beloved daughter’s good keeping into our Father’s faithful hands. This is in the Bible for our benefit, to teach us, to impact and influence us. How so?

First, it shows us the Lord sees generosity in action. In all the commotion of the crowd, Jesus didn’t miss the depositing of two copper coins, which would be roughly a quarter of a penny. Know this, absolutely nothing is lost on Him, especially when it comes to what’s offered to Him, regardless of the amount. 

Second, it shows the Lord, alone, defines generosity. Jesus said she gave more than anyone else. Now we know in the natural sense that’s not the case. Everyone else most probably gave more than a quarter of a penny’s worth. But for this woman, in light of her lack, this amount was worth way more because of the adoring trust required to give it. It was a way more generous act than any other gift because of the heart behind it. And God always measures generosity in terms of the heart attitude not the dollar amount. 

And third, it shows us the Lord commends generosity. Jesus didn’t bring this woman to the crowd’s attention, but He did something far more meaningful and enduring: He immortalized her in the record of God’s eternal Word! Heaven and Earth will pass away, but this woman’s generosity will live on! And that’s because the Lord wants the importance of generosity to be forever remembered . . . and it will be, thanks to this woman’s example.

She came out of nowhere, but left for the entire world a lesson that will outlast time. Let’s learn from her, and live like her. Knowing that when we generously give according to our ability, the Lord will do something with it according to His!      

Pause: What are we meant to learn from this widow’s example of generosity? 

Practice: Think about how her example challenges and inspires you. Write down the changes in your generosity it allows you to produce.

Pray: Lord, we’re humbled as we’re reminded of what true generosity looks like. May we keep this at the forefront of our minds as we seek to grow in being generous with the resources You’ve entrusted to us. Help us to remember You’re most concerned with the condition of our hearts, and if our heart is healthy in You then so will our generosity. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.