Bible Study - Luke 21

S —Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, "Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
Luke 21:1–4 ESV

O —The Greek term translated offering box likely refers to the trumpet-shaped collection chests used in the temple courts. The two small coins — Greek lepta — were the smallest Jewish coins in circulation, together worth roughly 1/64 of a denarius, a common laborer's daily wage. In God's economy, the amount given matters far less than the heart behind the gift.

A —How we honor God with our giving always comes back to the heart. Are we giving to honor Him, or are we giving to display what we have accomplished? When we truly see God as our Provider, we recognize that we are simply conduits of His provision. He is the source of everything we have, and our giving is one of the most honest ways we can honor Him for it.

R —Heavenly Father, You are Jehovah Jireh — our Provider. Thank You for the ability and opportunity to earn, and for Your faithful provision over our lives. Like the widow who gave from an empty hand and a full heart, we want to give with that same spirit of trust and surrender. Make us good stewards, and let our giving always flow from gratitude rather than obligation. In Jesus' name, Amen.