Opening Prayer
Thank you for the miracle that is the Bible. Thank you for the miracle of salvation it offers me in Christ. Thank you, too, for the changes you make in me when I read it.
Read LUKE 20:45–21:4
Warning Against the Teachers of the Law
45 While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”
The Widow’s Offering
21 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
‘Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.’1
Think Further
Fresh from responding to the challenges set by the religious authorities (vv. 1–44), Jesus turned his attention to the disciples. He warned them about teachers of the Law. They were concerned with their outward appearance, trying to win approval from people, yet they were hypocritical in their religious behavior. Instead of demonstrating care, concern, and compassion for the needy, they took away the houses of widows, the most defenseless people of the day. Because of this despicable act, Jesus declared that they would be judged (v. 47). The teachers of the Law become the example the disciples should avoid. Instead, they are to follow the attitude of the widow who came into the temple and gave to God two copper coins, the smallest currency of the day.
The lesson we should take from the story of the widow is that what matters is not the amount one gives but the amount that one keeps for oneself. The rich gave out of their abundance and they still had much left for themselves. However, the widow gave all she had. That was real sacrifice. She became an example of one who was rich toward God, who sought first the kingdom of God, and who was willing to give up everything in her devotion to God.2
The world we live in encourages us to pay attention to our outward appearance. The fashion industry, cosmetic and beauty products, aesthetic and cosmetic surgery are all billion-dollar business. While we take care of how we present ourselves to the world, let us care also how we appear before God and how we live our lives. Let us learn from the widow how we may seek the kingdom of God and guard our hearts from external piety that could only earn us the praises from people.
Apply
‘The Lord does not look at the things human beings look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’3
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, you left your place in heaven, coming to live here and die for me. I ask that you show me where you are calling me to serve you more whole-heartedly.
Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by kingstar
