Luke 20:41–21:4

Be Still: Loving Father, we turn our attention to you today. Quiet all that distracts us and open our hearts to receive what you would say. Amen

Read: Luke 20:41–21:4

For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has. (21 v 4)

Encounter: I remember the times of putting pocket money aside to be able to buy a gift for my mum. As a child, I didn't have much money, so every dollar I saved meant giving up Zimbabwean sweets I could have bought for myself. The value of the gift was not found in its price tag but in the sacrifice behind it. 

When Jesus tells the story of the widow, he sees beyond the amount placed in the offering. While others gave large sums from their wealth, the widow gave from her poverty. Her gift seemed insignificant compared to the others, yet Jesus honoured it above them all. He measured the sacrifice, not the size of the donation.

This passage reminds us that God looks at the heart. He is not impressed by outward appearances or comparisons. He sees what is hidden from everyone else. The widow's offering was an act of trust, worship, and surrender. She placed her security into God's hands. In doing so, she demonstrated a faith that was far greater than the value of her gift.

Apply: This passage invites us to consider how we give, not only financially but also with our time, energy, attention, and service. Do we only give when it is convenient and costs us very little? Or are we willing to offer something sacrificially to God?

Sacrificial giving is about the posture of the heart. The widow challenges us to trust God enough to place him first. What might God be asking you to give today? Perhaps it is your time, your resources, or your willingness to serve someone in need. True generosity begins when we trust that God will provide all that we need.

Devote: Lord Jesus, thank you that you see beyond appearances and look upon the heart. Forgive me for the times when I have held back from giving because I was focused on what it might cost me.