The Widow Who Gave All She Had
One of my favorite stories in all of the Bible is about an unnamed widow that we read about in Mark and Luke. She doesn’t share these specific thoughts in Scripture, but I imagine her saying them when I read the accounts. “I wish I had more to give. Every time I walk the aisle in the Temple courts, making my way to the treasury, I wonder what God can possibly do with my meager offerings. What can He possibly do with the two tiny coins I gave today? It doesn’t seem like much to me at all, but it surely is all I have.”
Several years ago, I was preparing a talk for the women at my church. I was speaking at our annual Christmas program. It would be the first time I’d ever spoken in front of a crowd that size. While I was more comfortable seated around a table with ten to twelve women, pouring over Scripture together, I was excited for this opportunity. I put in hours of preparation time, honing in on the ordinary characters God chose to participate in the birth of the Christ child.
I shared the topic I’d selected with my mom. Although she lived thousands of miles away, I wanted to somehow include her in this big day. A few weeks before the event, she surprised me by announcing she had gotten a plane ticket to fly in and hear me speak. It meant so much to me. Upon arrival, she gave me a simple bracelet. It was a silver chain that had a two-toned silver and gold coin near the clasp. In the package, she inserted a note that read: “I’m so proud of you! Just like the widow we read about in Luke, I know you want to give him all you have.” I’ll, of course, keep this note forever.
What Does Sacrifice Look Like to the Unnamed Widow?
Mark and Luke tell us of a time when Jesus was in the temple with his disciples. He took note of the rich who put their gifts in the treasury. How could he tell they were rich? Perhaps by the way they dressed, or the confident way they placed their heavy bags of coins in the treasury. We’re not given all the details. The part I find meaningful is that Jesus called attention to the poor widow above all the other individuals who gave an offering that day. “I assure you, this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” Luke 21: 3-4
I don’t think this woman set out to be one of our biblical women of influence. No, she was a woman who found herself alone, but wanted to show herself faithful. Giving was important to her, even though she had to realize it wasn’t a significant amount, not what the rich could offer. She certainly never expected Jesus to see her small act of obedience and praise her.
Who was the Unnamed Widow?
It bothers me a little (OK, a lot) we don’t know her name. Or maybe we could have been told more about her story. How long had she been a widow? If the two coins were all she had, where would she get her next meal? Did she have a support system of any kind? We don’t know. She’s gone down in history as the woman who gave all she had. Yet, Jesus knew her name. He established her as an example for all of us. We consider her story, and it would do us good to examine if we could put our name in the blank. “Traci, who gave all she had.” For Jesus.
This simple woman inspires me. When I sit down to write, or speak to a group of women, I often slip on my bracelet, and thank God for her faithfulness. She reminds me, God doesn’t need what we offer him, but it matters to him all the same. Be encouraged, sister, every single thing we willingly release to him, God takes it and uses it for his glory. He is trustworthy. Give him all you have.
- The Widow Who Gave All She Had - May 2, 2018
We did a study of the unnamed women in the Bible in a group I co-taught in a few years ago and like you, we didn’t like that they didn’t have names… so we gave them some… it was so fun to come up with names that symbolized their stories!
The woman at the Well = Brooke…
the Canaanite Woman from Tyre = Tyra…
The woman with the issue of blood = Scarlet
The widow of Nain – Eva (meaning life)
the woman with the 2 coins, = Penny!
I love that you gave them names!! I’m writing these down. Also, I have discovered that Jewish tradition has given them names in their Midrash stories throughout the years. For example, Noah’s wife has two different names!
I must admit that I felt the sting of tears in my eyes. Truly a beautiful post and a beautiful reminder. I worry that I don’t give all that I have; I don’t really know what that means as of yet or how to do it. But I trust in the Lord. Amen and thank you for sharing! xo
Rachel, I get it. When I start feeling like my offering isn’t enough, I visualize Jesus smiling at me. I’m convinced he smiles at us way, way more than he frowns.
This was awesome Traci! Thanks for sharing! ❤
Thanks Donna! I love this story so much!
Such a challenging read. Have I given my all? At the same time, knowing that God can use what little I hold in my hands is so encouraging.
Kat, I appreciate the tension you described. We likely don’t give our all, yet he uses every bit we’re willing to offer up to him.
I love the idea of putting our name in the unnamed woman’s place. Have I given my all?? Thank you for this post!
It helps me too. What would Jesus think of my offering?
I really enjoyed reading this. It reminds me of my departed aunt who gave even
When she had nothing left for herself. In fact, we included this story in her eulogy. Great post. Thank you for the tender reminder. If you want, o would love it if you can swing by my blog. It’s filled with stories of faith and I just posted a new one today. God bless…
Meyzel, I love that you have a loved one who comes to mind when you read about this widow. Blessings to you in your writing journey!
Angel, this is a sweet post. I often wondered what I would have don’t in that situation. My husband is the more generous one in our family. But the story of the widow really has more to do with sacrifice than generosity. It’s what’s in the hearts that counts.
Definitely a heart issue, isn’t it? It’s interesting you mention how you and your husband “give” differently. I’m blessed when it’s my husband who takes the lead in deciding we should gift something to a mission or the church. Thanks for pointing that out.
This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible too! There have been times in my life that I could definitely relate to this story.
Yes! I want to invite her to dinner and be her friend.
The widow giving her last coins is similar to us giving up all to have Christ. And it’s only fitting because Christ gave up all for us.
I pray often that I would hold nothing back from him. Trust him with all of it.
I also love how not knowing her name means the glory goes to God. That her actions were more important. Not that our identities and who we are don’t matter – they matter greatly – but it’s a reminder to me that my name and who I am is not more important than bringing God glory. Visiting from #SittingAmongFriends. 🙂
That’s an excellent way to look at it Emily. May we give him the glory in all things!