Luke 21:1-4
Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, “The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!”
(The Message, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 Eugene H. Peterson by NavPress Publishing)
This widow received high praise from Jesus. Think of what was occupying Jesus’ thoughts this week. The cross was coming. Every second He was moving closer to the agony He knew was to come.
Jesus was thinking a lot about sacrifice.  His loving Father brings a widow along to help Him, to point Him back to the reckless love of God expressed in an extravagant gift. Jesus in turn uses it to teach His followers about where real life can be found.
All of this happens in the looming shadow of the cross where Jesus too would give His all so that you and I could have it all only to turn and give it away in service to others in faith and love.

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