Sitting in the synagogue next to the collection box, Jesus watched as the people brought their offerings. The wealthy and the influential put their money in with great ceremony. Their many large coins made a lot of noise as they were dropped into the box. The big shots wanted to impress everyone with their generosity. But Jesus wasn’t impressed.

That same day an old widow woman came into the synagogue. Quietly she dropped her two mites into the collection box. The wealthy and influential looked at her giving with great disdain. They considered her and her offering to be insignificant. But Jesus was excited about her giving. He was impressed with her generosity.

Now, the wealthy and the influential people are impressive to the world. They will have buildings named after them, they will sit on the board of directors and worldly people will call them great. But they do not impress Jesus, and He does not call them great. He knows they give from their overflow. He also knows their large coins are just a small part of their livelihood and will never be missed.

The old woman means nothing to most people. No buildings will have her name on them and no one will ask her opinion about anything. But Jesus is impressed with her giving and He is excited about her greatness. He knows that she is giving all she has and while most people see it as little, Jesus sees it as much. He knows that her offering is her life.

We must understand this, Jesus does not care about the haul of the offering plate. He only cares about the heart of the giver. One day we will all stand before the Savior. When you do, He will not ask how much money you gave or what great things you did for your church. You see, He does not care about the amount you give as long as you trust Him with all that you have. He does not need your money, but He longs to have your heart.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where the Pavement Ends