The Widow with Two Mites – Giving Everything When You Have Almost Nothing
Text: Luke 21:1–4 (ESV)
Series: Unnamed Women of the Bible – Part 4
Introduction: A Quiet Gift in a Noisy Place
The temple was bustling with worshipers, leaders, and the noise of wealth. Coins clanged loudly into the offering box as people made a public show of their abundance. But in the middle of all the flash and flourish, Jesus noticed someone no one else did—a poor widow dropping in two small copper coins.
She didn’t have much. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone. But her offering echoed into eternity.
This unnamed widow gave not from her excess, but from her essence—and Jesus said she had given more than anyone else.
1. Her Offering Was Small in the World’s Eyes
Luke 21:1–2 – “Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.”
Exegesis:
– The Greek word for “mites” (lepta) refers to the smallest coins in circulation—together worth less than a penny.
– She was a widow—socially vulnerable, likely without stable income or inheritance.
– She gave her offering at the temple treasury, a public place where the rich gave to be seen.
Application:
The world measures value by volume. But God measures by the heart. Have you ever felt like what you offer is too small to matter?
2. Her Sacrifice Was Great in God’s Eyes
Luke 21:3–4 – “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.”
Exegesis:
– Jesus uses the word “more” not mathematically, but spiritually.
– She gave out of her poverty, not her surplus.
– Jesus sees beneath the surface of giving—He sees the sacrifice and the heart behind it.
The rich gave what they wouldn’t miss. She gave what she couldn’t afford to give.
3. Her Faith Was a Fragrant Offering
This widow didn’t just give money—she gave trust. Every coin she released was a declaration: “Lord, You are my provision.”
She didn’t wait for security. She didn’t hold back a backup plan. She gave everything to the God she believed would take care of her.
Spiritual Parallel:
In Mark 14:3–9, another unnamed woman breaks a costly alabaster jar of perfume to anoint Jesus. Both women gave extravagantly—one in treasure, the other in trust. Both were unnoticed by the crowd—but noticed by Christ.
When your gift is poured out in faith, Jesus never overlooks it.
4. Her Legacy Is Eternal
Jesus memorialized this widow’s act—not just for that day, but for all time.
- Her name was never recorded—but her heart was.
- Her offering was almost invisible—but her faith was unforgettable.
- In Heaven’s economy, faith always outweighs finances.
Jesus didn’t say, “She gave the least.” He said, “She gave the most.”
Life Application: You Have More to Give Than You Think
- Do you ever hold back because you think your gift—your time, talent, prayer, or money—is too small?
- What would it look like to give from the heart, not from surplus?
- Are you giving in a way that says, “God, I trust You with everything”?
Closing Reflection
She could have stayed hidden. She could have kept her last coins. She could have waited for more. But she gave anyway.
And the Son of God stopped to point her out—not for her wealth, but for her worship.
Your offering may not impress the world—but it will move Heaven.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You that You see what no one else does. Teach me to give not out of abundance, but out of love. Help me to trust You with my little, knowing You can do much. Let my life be an offering, poured out with joy, knowing that You are my true treasure. Amen. Barry