Luke 21:1-4 “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” (NIV).

Jesus looks very differently at what true wealth and giving are. In his ministry, he is approached by a man who wants to follow him. Jesus tells him to go, sell everything he has, give it to the poor and follow him, but the man isn’t ready to give up his wealth. Another time, Jesus says that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to get into heaven.

Jesus isn’t condemning all wealthy people – in fact, many of his followers had money that was used to help Jesus in his ministry, but in the above passage, we see how he looks upon a poor widow and how she gives all she has – 2 copper coins (or “mites” in other versions.) He is comparing her to the wealthy leaders and how differently they give – some giving to make sure everyone knows how wealthy they are and others equating their offerings to being of high status, and this woman giving humbly and sacrificially, not trying to impress anyone.

We are blessed to have a wonderful church that gives to our community through our Community Dinner, the Community Garden, the Food Pantry and other programs. Is there more we can or should do? Are we giving sacrificially of our time, talent and treasure?

Jesus came to us as a humble child, born in a manger and working for his living as a carpenter. He was given expensive gifts from the Magi, but we never learn what happened to those gifts—they certainly didn’t seem to be used to put his family in a more prosperous position. Maybe they gave it to the synagogue or to the poor, but we will never know. Jesus was and is the Servant of All as well as a gift without price – our true wealth. Let us be as he was and is throughout our lives.

Marti Riley