This poor widow has put more
into the treasury than all the others.
—Mark 12:43
It’s difficult to live in a time and place that gives top billing to financial security without getting caught up in it.
Jesus’ words make us squirm: “Don’t worry at all about having enough food and clothing … your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life” (Matt. 6:31-33 TLB).
On his last visit to the temple, Jesus had his eye on many people as they made their offerings, but he praised only one: a poor widow who dropped a couple of coppers in the plate. It was all she had, her entire savings.
Here is a dead-broke widow joining Jesus in making us squirm.
Deep down we know what must come first—and it isn’t financial security. But …
First place. That seat is taken.