Jesus once again uses his power of observation, combined with a keen sense of capturing the moment to drive home a great point.
We are not sure of all of the “why’s” but the Bible points it out that Jesus sat in a place where he could see people putting money into the temple treasury. (a.k.a. think of it as Jesus being the usher in church that stares down the row as the plate is being passed). He sees the rich give out of abundance and then a poor widow gives all she had. In the past, when I’ve blown through this short story, I typically have said, “Oh yeah, be generous.”
There is so much more that Jesus wants us to get — is the heart of this story about giving — or is it about trust, honesty, faithfulness?
It’s clear from this and other places in the Bible that Jesus really looks at the heart. Our motives are important. Last Tuesday we took some time to see what was happening just prior to this story. Jesus was nailing the wrong attitudes of the religious leaders. He was calling them out for putting up a religious front of seeking the respect of others without being right with God. He was saying, “Be honest!”
So here Jesus takes this woman, whom most of first century society looked down on, and drew attention to her pure heart of trust. She lived each day without knowing where her next meal would come from. She so easily could have said “I can’t afford to give, it’s all I have.” But instead she exercised great faith.
Another key thing I love about this story is how Jesus called his disciples over to him to make a teaching point. This is another great reminder of the importance of teaching moments. They happen in our homes, at work, at school… don’t miss the opportunity to drive something home.
I remember a time when my kids were young and they left a bunch of toys on the front step. In somewhat dramatic fashion I “kicked” the toys off the step and said something about how they could kill somebody by leaving them there. I did it not out of anger, but rather to drive home a point. I seized the moment. Years later in a casual conversation they talked about remembering that moment so well. What made it powerful was that I acted out of the ordinary and they noticed.
That’s kind of what I see Jesus doing here. He jumps out of the norm. Makes a bold statement and then makes sure that his disciples get it. May we do the same with the opportunities that God brings us to demonstrate trust, honesty and faithfulness from a pure heart.