This week as we continue our series on Women of the Bible, we will look at the widow who gave two coins, her only two coins, at the Temple. This story can be found in Mark 12 and Luke 21…
Mark 12:41-44 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
41 He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43 Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44 For all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
Luke 21:1-4 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
21 He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; 2 he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them, 4 for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
What comes to your mind when you read this story?
You may notice a larger story being told within this smaller passage, but within the context of our series of Women of the Bible, what stands out to you?
This week as you read and think abut this story of the widow, I invite you to read a few others passages and see if you can find what these stories have in common.
I Kings 17:7-16
Matthew 14:13-21
What similarities do you see in these three stories?
Jesus often warned His disciples about people whose actions did not match their words.
Too often we can become distracted and lose our focus on what God is inviting us to. We get caught up in daily life, our priorities can become misaligned.
What disciplines and practices do we use to help us stay deeply connected to Jesus?
If we find ourselves disconnected, how do we make that reconnection with Jesus?
In what areas of your life are you like the “rich people” in this story? Do you do things out of obligation, expectation, and routine.
In what areas of your life are you like the widow? Living life in an unmistakable connection with Jesus, a clear sense of direction and a joy that is not dependent on life’s circumstances?
Let’s talk about it on Sunday.
Here is a video to share with kids and grandkids about this week’s scripture…
