
Verses 1-4 tell of Jesus pointing out to His disciples a poor widow giving an offering in the temple. While a tiny sum (just two copper coins) compared to those who were giving out of their wealth, He noted that she gave out of her poverty.
If you heard this story as a child, her offering was called “the widow’s mite.” If this wasn’t a familiar term, one could assume it was the widow’s “might.” Looking back, that is probably a more accurate description of her offering! Don’t you think giving all she had took more “might”? That money was going to provide her with food for the following days. Indeed, it took more “might” or flexing of her faith to trust that God would bless her offering and provide for her.
Verses 5-38 describe the signs of the End of the Age. While the disciples admired the beautiful temple, Jesus warned them of what was coming. There will be those who come in His name, falsely proclaiming that they are the Messiah; wars and revolutions will take place. There will be earthquakes, famines, persecution of believers, and fearful events. But these things must happen, and when we see these things, we are to know that the kingdom of God is near.
We are encouraged not to worry, for God is with us, and we will be given words and wisdom that our adversaries cannot contradict. We are to stand firm in our faith and “always watch and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
Prayer Prompts:
- Teach me to faithfully surrender that which You ask
- Encourage me to walk close to You so that I will not fear the future
- Thank God for the courage to face whatever might come