Why did Jesus say the poor widow who had given two mites, had given more than all the rest of the rich men had given?
If the rich men had given more than the poor widow, why was she the one to be appreciated by Jesus? If Jesus said the rest had given out of abundance, and the poor widow had given all that she had, does this mean that we shouldn't give when we have in abundance?
Luke 21:1 - 4
ESV - 1 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box. 2 And he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.
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Asked September 29 2014
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Jeremiah Kaaya
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
JD Abshire
In Luke chapter 20 His authority had been challenged by the priests and scribes, he was interrogated by the Herodians and Sadducees, all of whom were hoping that his response to some of their questions would be incriminating.
In Luke 20:45-47, just prior to the passage in question we read: "Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples. Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation."
In Luke 21:1-4 I do not believe Jesus was showing appreciation for the widow's offering but rather pointing out the poor widow to his disciples as "case in point", a real-world living example of a widow who had fallen victim to the deception of the scribes he had just warned them about in 20:45-47.