Here is a devotion to start your day!
Also available now at Power, Love & Miracles:
Hidden Heroes of the Bible: The Empty Tomb. Chapters 10-12 [PLM+]
Thomas: Doubt- Doorway to Deeper Faith. The Bible Unplugged podcast, episode 74
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Hero: The Poor Widow at the Temple
Quiet, costly generosity that catches Jesus’ eye
Scripture: Mark 12:41–44
“Most certainly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury, for they all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on.”
Reflection
The temple courtyard is noisy with movement and clinking coins. Wealthy worshipers drop large gifts into the treasury. Their contributions are probably noticed, perhaps even admired. It looks like generosity, and in many ways it is.
But Jesus is watching more than the amounts.
Then she comes—a poor widow with two small coins. The kind of gift that would barely register on anyone’s ledger. She has every social reason to keep her distance: as a widow, she is vulnerable; as someone poor, she might feel ashamed.
Yet she steps forward and drops in her coins.
Jesus calls His disciples close. He wants them to see what He sees. “This poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury,” He says, “for they all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on.”
He measures not the size of the gift but the size of the trust.
This doesn’t mean Jesus demands that you give away everything to prove your devotion. It means He honors the kind of giving that costs you something—time, energy, attention, money—especially when it springs from a heart that says, “Lord, my life is in Your hands.”
You might feel embarrassed by how little you think you can contribute. You look at others’ resources or talents and think, Why bother? Mine is nothing in comparison. The widow’s story gently pushes back on that lie. Jesus notices the gift no one else sees. He celebrates the heart no one else applauds.
Unassuming heroes are not those who give the most, but those who give themselves to God and let their generosity flow from that surrender.
Centering Prayer
Lord,
You know exactly what I have—and what I fear I don’t have. Thank You for this widow whose tiny gift became a teaching for the ages. Free me from comparing my generosity to others. Teach me to give with trust, joy, and quiet courage, knowing that You see what no one else does. – Amen
Practice for Today
Give something today—time, money, attention—that feels just a bit costly. As you give, consciously entrust your own needs to God’s care.
Journaling Prompt
What emotions rise in me when I consider giving from my lack instead of my surplus?
Closing Blessing
Hold your coins, your minutes, your energy before the Lord.
Release them not in fear, but in quiet trust.
Let your small, costly gifts rise like incense before His face.
Live in the courageous simplicity of the widow with two coins.
Pray as You Go
Breathe in: My life is Yours…
Breathe out: … help me give without fear
