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The Desire of Ages
Jesus was in the court where were the treasure chests, and He
watched those who came to deposit their gifts. Many of the rich
brought large sums, which they presented with great ostentation. Je-
sus looked upon them sadly, but made no comment on their liberal
offerings. Presently His countenance lighted as He saw a poor widow
approach hesitatingly, as though fearful of being observed. As the rich
and haughty swept by, to deposit their offerings, she shrank back as if
hardly daring to venture farther. And yet she longed to do something,
little though it might be, for the cause she loved. She looked at the gift
in her hand. It was very small in comparison with the gifts of those
around her, yet it was her all. Watching her opportunity, she hurriedly
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threw in her two mites, and turned to hasten away. But in doing this
she caught the eye of Jesus, which was fastened earnestly upon her.
The Saviour called His disciples to Him, and bade them mark the
widow’s poverty. Then His words of commendation fell upon her ear:
“Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more
than they all.” Tears of joy filled her eyes as she felt that her act was
understood and appreciated. Many would have advised her to keep her
pittance for her own use; given into the hands of the well-fed priests,
it would be lost sight of among the many costly gifts brought to the
treasury. But Jesus understood her motive. She believed the service
of the temple to be of God’s appointment, and she was anxious to do
her utmost to sustain it. She did what she could, and her act was to be
a monument to her memory through all time, and her joy in eternity.
Her heart went with her gift; its value was estimated, not by the worth
of the coin, but by the love to God and the interest in His work that
had prompted the deed.
Jesus said of the poor widow, She “hath cast in more than they all.”
The rich had bestowed from their abundance, many of them to be seen
and honored by men. Their large donations had deprived them of no
comfort, or even luxury; they had required no sacrifice, and could not
be compared in value with the widow’s mite.
It is the motive that gives character to our acts, stamping them with
ignominy or with high moral worth. Not the great things which every
eye sees and every tongue praises does God account most precious.
The little duties cheerfully done, the little gifts which make no show,
and which to human eyes may appear worthless, often stand highest
in His sight. A heart of faith and love is dearer to God than the most