The Widow's Mite by A.D. Rahn
I spent some time this morning working through this very challenging passage of Scripture in Mark. I don’t believe I walked away from this section with any brand new, earth-shattering theological observations; however, I have been thoroughly challenged by the thought that much of my giving (all?) has come from my abundance.
Here are some observations:
- From Jesus’ perspective a generous gift is not measured in absolute dollars.
- Jesus measures the contribution value of the gift based on how much it costs the giver.
- There were many rich people but only one poor widow
- The widow’s faith & dependence on God is demonstrated as she goes “all in” with her giving.
- Jesus does not denounce the offerings of the rich. He simply states that the poor widow gave more than the rich because her giving cost her more.
As I read this passage I was reminded of what C.S. Lewis wrote in his book Mere Christianity (Book 3, Chapter 13)….
“I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc., is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small.”
