Jesus sits across from the temple treasury (Matthew 12:38-44). He sits there observing what people decide to contribute to the temple, to worship; that is, to God.

This is God’s position. It is right and just for God to observe what we offer Him and why we offer what we do of our time, talent and treasure.

The widow’s offering of 2 small coins astonishes Jesus. From a worldly point of view, it’s immaterial. However, from God’s perspective it is more than what all the others deposited. Jesus calls the disciples over to make certain they see the remarkable moment for what it is.

No one asks if the woman knew Jesus’ teaching or not. Assuredly, she does not set out to do some heroic deed for all to herald. She simply gives God what belongs to God.

Maybe she is embarrassed to be able to give so little. Perhaps she is anxious about the priest receiving the offerings and judging her. Whatever might be causing her distress, it makes little difference, because her focus is on God.

More than anything else, Jesus wants us to follow Him, to set aside everything that gets in the way. It is precisely what He will do for us and for our salvation. The total and complete offering of Himself, to rescue us from the captivity of sin and even death itself.