By Pastor Nate Powell
As we head toward the Easter season, Pastor Nate is writing a series of articles that lead us to the season in which we celebrate the cross and the empty tomb. This is article 2 of 5.
Lost in the great shuffle of the hustle and bustle of the Passion week is a story that shows Jesus’ eyes for the hearts of mankind and his awareness that what is happening outwardly often is not what it seems on the surface. Only God can see the heart.
The story is found in Luke 21:1-4. Jesus is at the temple during the time of the offering. The offering was taken in a box, and the box was in a position where people could see who was giving and certainly to an extent how much they gave. Judging off of other instances where the pharisees had done things to display their personal piety, it seems pretty obvious that many people had included their giving as part of a religious show or spectacle.
But Jesus sees past their show and sees a more beautiful display of worship to the Lord. A widow who is poor comes and places in two small copper coins. In essence, this is a very small amount of money, but Jesus knows that all she has is that very small amount of money, and she offers it as her worship to the Lord. Jesus notes her generosity, and notes that she has put in the most, even though she has put in the smallest amount.
Isn’t it amazing that during all the big events of his final week before his crucifixion, Jesus pauses to note something so small. It’s as if big sacrifices are a big deal to God. He is the one who sees the heart. And when he sees sacrificial giving, sacrificial prayer, sacrificial praise … he loves it.
I am grateful that in the midst of all of our talk about giving in the past couple of years, we have worked to not honor ourselves, but to honor the Lord. That is why any time we talk about giving at our church, we will remind you that we will not coerce you to give or making giving into a show. The Lord wants gifts that come from a grace-filled heart. As Jesus reminded us in Matthew 10:8: “Freely you have received, Freely Give.” This is what we are to do, not just with our money, but with all the goodness and grace that God has shown to us.
That woman’s faith was shown to be fully in God, because she gave up all that she had for all that He is and was trusting him to provide for her daily bread that day. Are you trusting him for your provision today? If so, how will that be expressed in your walk with Him?