Following Jesus Even When It Doesn't Add UpSample

 2 Pennies > Bag of Gold? 

Jesus used to watch people make a show of dropping their bags of money into the temple offering boxes. I wouldn’t be surprised if they slowly dumped all the coins in order to get the attention of others within earshot. 

I used to do the same thing when I was a kid. In the church I grew up in, we had these gold colored offering plates and I remember the loud and obnoxious sound it made when people dropped coins of all sizes into them. One time I put over 100 pennies in there! I say “one time” because my mom wouldn’t allow this spectacle again due to the embarrassment it caused her.

One particular day, Jesus notices this poor widow make her way up to the offering box. I imagine a hush came over the crowd as the woman reaches into her pocket to retrieve her gift. 

Two penny clanks later, Jesus goes out of his way to point her out to his disciples. “There’s your donor of the day boys!” The disciples give Jesus a puzzled look. “Maybe you didn’t notice Jesus, but that gal only dropped in two measly pennies.”

Jesus noticed alright. “She gave more than all the others combined.”

What?! C’mon Jesus, the batteries in your calculator must be wearing down. I may have been poor in math but even I can figure that one out.

Reflection:

What does this story tell you about how Jesus evaluates generosity? What’s the difference between giving out of your wealth versus out of your poverty?