Luke 21:2

Luke 21:2 describes a poignant moment in Jesus' ministry at the Temple in Jerusalem. After observing many wealthy individuals contributing large sums, Jesus notices a specific person whose offering, though tiny in monetary value, holds immense spiritual significance.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus observing rich people casting their gifts into the temple treasury. The temple treasury was a series of collection chests where worshippers deposited their offerings. This scene occurs during Jesus' final week before his crucifixion, as he was teaching daily in the Temple courts. The contrast between the opulent donations of the rich and the meager offering of the poor widow sets the stage for Jesus' profound teaching on true generosity and divine perspective, which is elaborated upon in the subsequent verses.

Key Themes

• True Generosity and Sacrifice: The core message is that the value of a gift is not measured by its absolute amount, but by the sacrifice it represents to the giver. The widow gave "all the living that she had" (Luke 21:4).
• God's Perspective: While human eyes might dismiss two small coins, God sees the heart and motive behind the offering. This highlights God's unique way of evaluating actions, focusing on internal devotion over external display.
• Faith and Trust: The poor widow's act demonstrates profound faith in God's provision. Despite her extreme poverty, she held nothing back, trusting God with her very last resources.

Linguistic Insights

The term "mites" translates from the Greek word lepton (λεπτόν), which was the smallest Jewish copper coin, equivalent to about 1/64 of a denarius (a day's wage for a laborer). Two mites (duo lepta) were the smallest possible offering one could make, as they together equaled a quadrans, the smallest Roman coin. The KJV's use of "mites" effectively conveys the insignificance of the amount in monetary terms. The description "poor widow" is also crucial, emphasizing her vulnerable social and economic status in ancient society, making her act of giving even more striking.

Significance and Application

This verse, often read in conjunction with Jesus' full commentary on the widow's offering, challenges conventional notions of wealth and giving. It teaches us that:

1. Sacrifice is Honored: God values sacrificial giving, where one gives from their need, not just their surplus. It's a reminder that even the smallest contributions, given with a willing and trusting heart, are significant in God's eyes.
2. Heart Over Amount: Our motives for giving are paramount. Whether it's time, talent, or treasure, what truly matters to God is the love, devotion, and faith expressed through the act, echoing principles found in 2 Corinthians 9:7 about cheerful giving.
3. Trust in God's Provision: The widow's act serves as a powerful example of radical trust in God. It encourages believers to prioritize God in their finances and to trust Him to meet their needs, even when resources are scarce. This narrative is also paralleled in Mark 12:41-44.

The story of the poor widow and her two mites continues to inspire generations, reminding us that true generosity stems from a heart wholly devoted to God, regardless of one's material abundance.