(A Meditation on the Story of the Widow’s Mite)
I recently learned that many who watch sermon videos online watch the introduction, then skip to the end for the conclusion. … (I’m sure no one here does that!) … But it’s understandable. I mean, everyone has too much to do and not enough time to do it in. So, why not just skip all that stuff in the middle … get done quicker?
In conclusion…
Well, before I get to the conclusion, I’d really like to talk a bit about this morning’s readings. The story of the Widow’s Mite teaches us that God honors faithful gifts, no matter how small, no matter what they are, no matter what size they are. It’s the size of the faith that matters, not the size of the gift.
Another point we sometimes overlook is that the Widow’s two tiny coins mark the end of her life. She had almost nothing left to give; but she gave anyway. After that, there was nothing left not even her life. Her journey had reached its conclusion.
This story also marks the closing of Jesus’ ministry. He never taught in public again. He had given everything he could. He also had nothing left to give except his life. They were both done, both at the end of their journey, both ready for the next step. And, they both knew it.
And yes, these are important lessons. But Luke is teaching us about more than just this. He shows us that all that we have, all that we can give, already belongs to God. He teaches that we are called to bless and support others with what God has blessed us with.
We’ve all heard that lesson many times, it can be found everywhere in the Scriptures. Our willingness and motivation for giving is what matters. It’s not about how much treasure we give, or even whether anyone notices.
Luke speaks of the magnificence of the temple. But, it is the widow’s action, done in good faith, that matters – not the temple.
Continue reading “Sermon: Changing the Story”
The Here and the Hereafter 