10.04.25 Luke 21:1-4

Prepare

Lord Jesus, as we read your journey to the cross, may your Holy Spirit lead us into all truth and keep us curious.

Help us examine your example and in doing so, be moved to worship.

Amen.

Read

Luke 21:1-4

“As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Reflect

The uk government spent almost 1.3 trillion pounds last year. That’s how much it costs to run a country.

How much does the kingdom of God cost to run? 10 trillion? 100 trillion? No, The answer is as little as two very small copper coins. The answer is as big as everything we have.

In this account, Jesus recognises that this widow’s generous heart and radical sacrifice are worth far more to the kingdom of God than the financial value of what she gave.

Through giving her two very small copper coins, Jesus says she has given more than all the others who were rich.

Despite her poverty, it was with great faith that she offered all she had. Jesus makes a similar request to the rich young ruler when he tells him “Sell all your possessions and come and follow me”.

He had much and yet he couldn’t give it up.

The widow had nothing yet she gave up what she had.

Let’s turn to prayer

Be

Father, thank you with you as our shepherd we lack nothing

Jesus, thank you that you are the pearl of great price. When we are found by you, we become rich

Holy spirit, help me recognise the blessings in my life. Let’s take a moment now to count the ways God has generously blessed us

Become

God does not need our money, yet he asks us to give to involve us in his plans, to grow faith in our hearts and to change us into cheerful givers

Take a moment to pray that God would make us radically generous, where our left hand doesn’t know what our right hand is doing

Do

This passage reminds us that even the smallest offerings are seen and valued by Jesus. Who in your life has given out and might feel discouraged and unseen.

Spend a moment praying for that person. Maybe find some time later to send them a message or give them something, reminding them they are seen.

Practice

King David once said “I will not offer to the LORD what costs me nothing”. He and the widow both share a desire to make genuine sacrifice.

This week, allow God to challenge you on what you have, what abundance there is and let him point out what is getting in the way of you and him.

When we give something up, we make more room for him and more of him is worth more than anything else.